sl500 r129 steering box

[maxjak1]

Hi, I would like to know how to adjust the steering box, were is the adjuster? I have ben told that you unscrew to adjust the slack in the box, but a very small amount at a time, any assistance would be appreciated, I assume this a common through out the older cars.

 

[fast28]

Yes, just adjusted mine last weekend. You can adjust the steering gears so that they mesh together more closely and remove the slack. There is a 6mm allen key socket on the steering box pitman arm. You need to unscrew the locknut a half turn or so with a 19mm socket then adjust with a 6mm allen key in an anti-clockwise direction to remove the slack. Keep to small increments of 1/8th a turn until you are within a 25mm arc of movement of the steering wheel as the road wheels begin to move in accordance.
Lots of information on the internet, same procedure for the 124 series E class.

 

[kth286]

Steering box is self adjusting.


With car resting and engine off, the minimal play is at straight ahead position only.

There will be play if steering turned to any other position when car is static, due to design.

The boxes will hardly ever need adjusting and it is likely something else OR most likely an accumulation of play in all the joints - even slack wheel bearings.

Deal with those first or you will likely ruin the steering box by over tightening.

 

[maxjak1]

I have been going through all the joints , changed drag link, big improvement, anti roll bar rubbers front and rear better, everything appears tight, shock absorbers top rubbers next as they show signs of perishing, and will change the oil in the steering pump. Thanks for the info

 

[Stratman]

It may be worth changing the steering damper as well. They're prone to wearing out, cheap to buy and easy to fit.