Steering Wheel Play Sl 320

[mapleleaf]

I've had what I believe is excessive play in the sterring wheel of the SL 320 (R129) . There is a good inch left or right before the steering actually responds. went in for a B service yesterday & they replaced the steering damper but it hasnt made a huge amount of difference. The dealer tried to tel lme that play was normal in the older SL's but I beg to differ having had one (older) before.

ANyone have any ideas as to what may be the cause & cure?

the car is due back in a couple of weeks to have rear discs & pads repplaced (on back order - yawn) so they will have to reinvestigate as I'm not too happy. The steering seems awfully vague for a merc !

 

[peterchurch]

Hi,
sorry that this is not an answer, but I would agree that your steering is not right, All the SLs I drove before I bought my current one had very direct steering. I would ask the Dealer why they replaced the steering dampers if there is nothing wrong with the cars steering in the first place...

Good luck

Peter

 

[Tan]

Hi

I read this on MBWorld, I am not sure if the loose steering that is mentioned is the same as steering play but its worth having a look. Going to check mine now.

Regards

Tan

"I took my 1995SL320 into 911 Ent today and they discovered that my loose steering was actually due to cracked top shock mounts.I am having them replaced today.MB mechanic said this is a common problem and very costly if not taken care of.Also make sure that you check the rear differential fluid.MB tend to seep differential fluid.Damage can result if the fluid is not kept at proper levels."

 

[nickmann]

I think there is an adjustment screw on the side of the steering box. Not sure what year your car is, obviously won't apply if you have the newer rack and pinion steering. If you have the older recirc. ball steering then that adjuster is the place to start.

 

[liammc]

My 1995 SL280 has similar symptoms. It has 225 tyres on 17 inch wheels so I would expect it to tramline, but certainly not as much as it does. The steering is quite direct but sometimes feels very vague especially in corrective steering at 70-80mph.

Anyone know what sort of price it would be for ALL new bushes?

 

[syfaphonetic]

steering idler

I replaced my power steering idler and front torsion bar and all bushes and sorted any play i had in mine - might be worth looking at matey...... PS got me new alloys fitted woooohooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[peterchurch]

I replaced my power steering idler and front torsion bar and all bushes and sorted any play i had in mine - might be worth looking at matey...... PS got me new alloys fitted woooohooooooooooooooooooooo

Got any Piccies yet ?

 

[syfaphonetic]

pics

Will take some on Sunday when i get it back from car audio and alarm place - Its gotta be clean and shiny to fit in with all your cars

Will post them asap sunday matey thanks for asking Im really chuffed about it - has transformed the car from the side and definitely the rear!