W123 230E Steering Box issues

[Benzwalah]

Hi Everyone

I am an infrequent user of this site. So apologies in advance. I have 1984 model. During an Mot my silly mechanic decided to tighten my box. He couldnt slacken it off. So my new Mercedes trained mechanic had a go . The allen key slot is so close to the exhaust manifold , we couldn't get the allen key in there.

I have a few options.
1) I have found them on ebay but the numbers are confusing. My Benz dealership have given me a part number MA 1234605901 BUT I CANNOT FIND ONE. I have found one 1234610601
2) To find a reconditioning place near me Solihull Near Birmingham

Any Help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Benzwalah

 

[Bellow]

They are adjustable. Err on the side of loose rather than tight. I managed to do mine (long time back). Maybe I cut down an Allen key to do it. Improvise.

 

[Benzwalah]

They are adjustable. Err on the side of loose rather than tight. I managed to do mine (long time back). Maybe I cut down an Allen key to do it. Improvise.

Many thanks. I will try this or get my Merc Guy to have a go. Just to clarify, Do I undo the nut first then the allen key or the other way round

 

[Bellow]

Many thanks. I will try this or get my Merc Guy to have a go. Just to clarify, Do I undo the nut first then the allen key or the other way round

The nut is a locking nut. Slacken it, make the adjustment with the Allen key, tighten the lock nut. Now repeat as you overtightened it first time around. Like I said before, do not overtighten. The steering lock to lock should feel absolutely smooth - no tight spots at all.

 

[Benzwalah]

The nut is a locking nut. Slacken it, make the adjustment with the Allen key, tighten the lock nut. Now repeat as you overtightened it first time around. Like I said before, do not overtighten. The steering lock to lock should feel absolutely smooth - no tight spots at all.

Many thanks once again. Will be doing it on Friday . So ill keep you posted. Sorry to sound such a numpty but my Mot guy tightened it. Just to be sure as he has overtightened it . I am going to turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen the steering, Yes!

 

[190]

Many thanks once again. Will be doing it on Friday . So ill keep you posted. Sorry to sound such a numpty but my Mot guy tightened it. Just to be sure as he has overtightened it . I am going to turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen the steering, Yes!

Correct and when you do that adjustment make sure the steering is centred because if you were to adjust it with the wheels on lock then it will bind when you come back to centre.

 

[Bellow]

. I am going to turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen the steering, Yes!

I can't remember the direction but the post above this seems to confirm your supposition.
There should be some 'how-to' videos on YouTube covering this that may be of help. Either way, just keep tweaking until you get it right.