W126 steering adjustment

[Catman]

I took my 300SE (left hand drive) to a garage recently to have the wheels aligned by laser as I have excessive wear on the outside of the front left tyre, and also the steering wheel vibrates violently as I approach 60mph, so I have to back off on the accelerator pedal. The garage hoisted the car up and showed me by moving one of the road wheels that there was a lot of play in the steering, and that he could not perform an alignment until that is sorted out. I rang an independant mercedes man that I have used in the past. He said it is easy to adjust, but I did not ask him how, instead I booked the car in for the 8th of this month. However, he did not turn up, nor has he answered my e-mail, so I am both mystified and annoyed. I cannot afford dealer prices, so if anyone can tell me how I can adjust the steering I would be very grateful. I am reasonably competent with DIY jobs.

 

[ianrandom]

Where are you based? I can recommend a great MB garage in the South East. (Star Motors.)

 

[kth286]

I took my 300SE (left hand drive) to a garage recently to have the wheels aligned by laser as I have excessive wear on the outside of the front left tyre, and also the steering wheel vibrates violently as I approach 60mph, so I have to back off on the accelerator pedal. The garage hoisted the car up and showed me by moving one of the road wheels that there was a lot of play in the steering, and that he could not perform an alignment until that is sorted out. I rang an independant mercedes man that I have used in the past. He said it is easy to adjust, but I did not ask him how, instead I booked the car in for the 8th of this month. However, he did not turn up, nor has he answered my e-mail, so I am both mystified and annoyed. I cannot afford dealer prices, so if anyone can tell me how I can adjust the steering I would be very grateful. I am reasonably competent with DIY jobs.

If you are jumping to conclusions it may be the steering box, then do not.

It is likely one of the bushes/ball joints in the many linkages that go to make up the total steering system.

 

[NW_Merc]

Does the W126 have a steering damper system? I know if the steering damper goes on the W202 you get similar symptoms. As others have said it may also be the bushes. You need to check underneath and see if any have perished.

 

[grober]

As you can see there are 6 ball-joints + an idler arm + a damper to go wrong on the steering as well as the steering box.[ the far track arm analgous to 17 is not shown]

 

[grober]

I wonder if you haven't got a more fundamental problem with some of the front suspension bushes--quite common in such a big heavy car. PeachPartsWiki: Guide Rod, Lower Control Arm Bushing and Eccentric Pin Replacement

DIY Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement for Mercedes Benz 300SD. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

PeachPartsWiki: Suspension Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement

 

[Catman]

Thanks for all your advice and suggestions guys, my MOT is due in January so I will get the garage to check all the joints and the damper while the car is up on the hoist.
To ianrandom: I live in Cambridgeshire.

 

[ianrandom]

Ok, a bit far then. Perhaps someone will be able to recommend a specialist closer to you. Good luck sorting it out.