R129 Steering Idler kit

[Pcn1]

Hi,

Ive got 85,000 miles on my 1998 SL320 now.
It pulls a just a little to the left so I need to get the tracking done, but before that I thought I'd check for play in the steering.

I can notice a very (and I mean very...) slight play in the steering wheel before the front wheels start to move. The track rod ends seem perfect to me, so do you think the play could be in the steering idler ?

If so it would be wise to renew this before having the tracking done.

My research tells me I have the choice of:

MB part at well over £100+.
SL shop version at £70.
URO (?) cheap aftermarket of ebay Sub £50.
Ive read Lemforder have stopped making this part now (can anyone confirm)

Any recommnedations ?

Thanks

 

[Doodle]

The steering box is connected directly to the right hand track rod, so if the play is on both wheels then the idler isn't to blame, or at least not entirely. Are you testing this with the engine running, or switched off?

 

[Pcn1]

Engine running

 

[Zonergem]

The SL Shop part will be URO with their mark-up added.

 

[Pcn1]

Good to know.