steering wander

[piddler]

We have a 1967 230SL that I am in the process of making a little more drivable so I will probably be posting a lot of questions. One of the first things I want to tackle is the wander in the steering. It is not real bad. Just enough to be aggravating. I am going to check all of the ball joints and tie rod ends but I saw an adjustment on the top of the steering sector. I know that on a lot of the old cars that I worked on this could be used to "tighten up"  the steering sector to compensate for wear. Is this true on this model?

Thanks in advance, Pete

[DaveB]

Hello Pete,
Steering play can develop through wear in the plastic bushings of the steering coupling (below the brake booster) or wear in the idler arm. Have a look for play while someone else turns the wheel to and fro.

[rogerh113]

I had the same type of problem on my '66, and it was the plastic bushings - you do have to look a bit to locate them.  The failure on mine resulted in play in the steering wheel.  Once replaced the steering was nice and tight.  Can't remember if I followed instructions here or in the big blue book.  Make sure and clearly mark the component orientation prior to disassembly, or getting the steering wheel properly oriented when reassembling will be more challenging (speaking from experience....).

Regards -- Roger

[Benz Dr.]

I've seen worn trailing arm bushings cause a car to wander all over the road. As you remove play from one area it will often make the play in another area that much worse.

[piddler]

I found the diagram but nothing to guide me through replacing the bushings. Believe me, I need guidance.

I read that it can be done without getting under the car. Is it done from under the hood or from the interior?

Who/where is a good source for parts when I get in to more of the work?

 



 

[mbzse]

.../...to guide me through replacing the bushings

You find something re: trailing arm bushing exchange in this posting:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11244.msg75136#msg75136
/Hans in Sweden

[Flyair]

Hans, your post should make it into our Tech Manual if it didn't already...

[rutger kohler]

Hi, the other posts here seem like good advice, however when I first got my 280SL several years ago (no power steering), the steering seemed very light and had a tendency to wander or float.  I noticed there is a damper, like a shock absorber that is fitted in behind the steering link between the front axle tie rod ends.  It was very easy to remove this and when I did, i found that it was completley shot.  I replaced it  ($NZ60) and the steering improved straight away.  Not sure if the 230 has these?

[mbzse]

.../...there is a damper, like a shock absorber.../... Not sure if the 230 has these?

All W113 cars had this steering damper, as well as Finbacks, 108:s etc.  Very useful to renew this (wear) item, and as you wrote quite easy to do so.
/Hans in Sweden
.

[piddler]

Today I started the car and had the wife work the steering wheel while I checked to see if there was any unusual movement along the linkage and everything seemed tight. I am not sure that I checked the bushings mentioned above but everything that I could get my hands on was tight.

I can turn the steering wheel about 1 3/4 inch before there is any resistance at all. Nothing. Just like it is not connected to anything. Could this be the couplings mentioned above?

[wjsvb]

I have the same problem (67 250SL);  with Jim Villers' help the problem became clear: the bushing(s) in the column under the booster.  New ones are available from the classic center.  Don't know how long to install but others have certainly done the job.  Jon

[piddler]

I have the same problem (67 250SL);  with Jim Villers' help the problem became clear: the bushing(s) in the column under the booster.  New ones are available from the classic center.  Don't know how long to install but others have certainly done the job.  Jon

What is the full name of the classic center? I am new to the forum and I am still looking for sources for parts.

Thanks

[UJJ]

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/classic/classic-service-parts/mercedes-benz-classic-service-parts/

[piddler]

I am having a problem with the classic website. I get to the site and cannot seem to get to the parts catalogue. What am I doing wrong?

I am trying to find some more steering parts. Is there another source for these parts?

Thanks, Pete

[UJJ]

Pete, you have to sign up for a EPC account if you want to find the parts yourself.
Or give Tom Hanson a call at the classic center 866 622 5277

[glcg123]

I has a similar problem with my 65 230SL. I had it in to two shops for an alignment. They found nothing wrong and it steered a bit better but always wandered a bit. I took it to a top rated shop. After he had checked play in the linkages and aligned it the mechanic took it for a spin and noticed the wandering. He put it up on the hoist again and found that the center link had play. He had to really pry on it to get it to move. Part replaced, problem gone.

George

[piddler]

I think I have found the problems. I received the bushing but I also need parts 30,31,32 and 33 and maybe 43 on the drawing in the technical manual.

Thanks everyone for the input.