Has anyone removed/refurbed their steering box?

[jaymanek]

This link was posted in another thread:

http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

Im thinking of attempting this on Sunday.,.

Any pointers? have never removed a steering box before.. whats involved? i assume i dont have to re set the tracking after?

Thanks all..

 

[Dieselman]

Interesting that he says the slop (play) is removed. That must be as a result of setting the end bearing properly.

 

[jaymanek]

he's a bit vague on that point... so its not supposed to be over tight? Just to the point that it doesnt turn anymore?

 

[Dieselman]

he's a bit vague on that point... so its not supposed to be over tight? Just to the point that it doesnt turn anymore?

No, He's correct.

He says tighten it just enough to remove any play but not enough to have preload on the bearing.

23. Install the bearing cap. Screw the cap until it stops turning. If you tighten it too much then there will be a lot of pressure loading on the roller bearings. Too loose and there will be play in the steering wheel. You want to set it so there is no preload or very light preload at most.

 

[Mudster]

Well the first thing on the link says this chap isn't an experienced mechanic... but take a look at the machine shop he's in, he's an engineer of some sort.

From my limited understanding of steering boxes, these things have incredibly tight tolerances, it's not something I'd try but if you feel comfortable with it then give it a shot.

I bought a reconditioned unit for my car.

 

[jaymanek]

where did you get it from Alan? Just incase i do muck it up... got the car here at work... looks a nightmare to get at the box, looks like ill be needing the ramps...

 

[Stratman]

From my distant memories of steering boxes I recall a warning to the effect that because the box spends the overwhelming majority around the straight ahead position, that's where most of the wear will occur. The home mechanic will then take out the play in the straight ahead position which makes it too tight near full lock. Balancing the two is an art in itself.

 

[KLP 92]

I put a replacement one on the SEC. I'll dig out where i purchased it from if you need.

 

[Mudster]

where did you get it from Alan? Just incase i do muck it up... got the car here at work... looks a nightmare to get at the box, looks like ill be needing the ramps...

Chas at the SEC Shop got it for me, I have no idea what it cost, and it's ramp job, it has to come out underneath.

 

[jaymanek]

Job done! Took me from 3-9pm yesterday...

I have to say the actual refurbing part was easy due to the doc above... the hard part was removing and refitting the box into the car, you need an assistant really as trying to line up the joints and hold the box at the same time is hard work - A lot of swearing!

Also removing the arm that links to the track rod ends would have been impossible if our workshop didnt have a fancy puller tool... it was well and truly stuck onto the box.

The other issue i had is that getting the input gear in line when refitting is impossible (due to lack of space)... when i put it all back together the steering wheel was 90 degrees out... so i thought easy, ill just remove the steering wheel and set it straight... but no, because now my indicators dont cancel properly!!
Thats a job for another day now!

Also changed the brake fluid while i was there... it was yucky... dont think its been changed in a while, especially the stuff that came out of the ABS and ASR pumps..

If anyone else uses the above link, bare in mind that he is working on a LHD box, had me scratching my head when things werent where they were supposed to be!!

EDIT: I should add that the seals that came out were VERY well worn and almost flat.. the job has made a huge difference to the responsiveness of the steering.. no more sail boat effect!

 

[dogan124]

Congratulations Jaymenek,

I understand you were able to remove the free play on the steering wheel. Are you confident it was due to worn seals in your case.

Was there any mechanical wear on dynamic parts ?

Cheers

Dogan

 

[jaymanek]

Hi, I couldnt see any wear to the metal parts, it all felt nice and tight..

The seals were flat as a pancake and all play has gone...

worth doing, but you do need a ramp otherwise it makes the job v difficult.

 

[Mudster]

Well done, from the sounds of it, it isn't a driveway DIY job really is it.

Nice to do it all yourself though if you have the patience and facilities.

I used to be quite keen to do it all like that, but I'm just too old and grumpy to consider laying under a car now...I'd prefer to pay someone else to do it that has all the right tools too.

I do miss having a tinker though.

 

[jaymanek]

i just think it makes you feel more a part of the car and spending time doing these sorts of jobs makes it more than just a mode of transport..