Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Charles 230SL on February 24, 2015, 00:13:18

Title: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: Charles 230SL on February 24, 2015, 00:13:18

hello, I need to ensure the manual steering box on my '64 230SL is centered and that the pitman arm is correctly aligned. Does anyone have any pictures of the steering box 'center' marks and pitman arm/spline alignment marks? thanks, Charles

Title: Re: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: Shvegel on February 25, 2015, 14:24:20

I don't have pictures but the Pitman arm aligns to the steering box output shaft with 2 dash shaped punch marks on the shaft and the rim of the Pitman arm. Technically the steering box is centered using a special alignment pin that is threaded into the box but I assume the general procedure is to turn the input shaft in one direction until it stops then count the number of turns it takes to get to the other stop, divide by two and turn it back to center.  

Title: Re: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: mbzse on February 25, 2015, 14:53:17

Quote from: Charles

hello, I need to ensure the manual steering box on my '64 230SL is centered

Centering with the pin that Schvegel mentions is easy (and useful).
See this post and others http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10076.0 (http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10076.0)
Use "search" and look in the Wiki to find more info
/Hans in Sweden

Title: Re: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: ja17 on February 25, 2015, 15:03:42

The tool, (alignment pin) threads into the plug on topside of the steering gear box. The tool has a blunt point on the end. It is a very fine thread. You can make one easily if you get the correct fine thread bolt. It engages a recess in the steering mechanism, locking it on-center. Be aware that the front  wheels have to be basically straight ahead to start. Once the box is locked in the center location, check the slash mark on the steering column end at the steering wheel also. The slash mark should be oriented directly upward. As Pat describes, when all is in-sync the lock-to-lock turns are equally divided in each direction, the slash marks on the pitman arm and gearbox align, the slash mark on the steering column shaft is directly upward and the front wheels are straight ahead.

Title: Re: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: Shvegel on February 25, 2015, 15:12:21

Found these in the BBB as well as the factory tool in my toolbox. Sounds like a phillips screwdriver works as well.  It's just a 12 X 1.5 X 60 mm long all thread bolt with the last 26mm turned down to 7mm with a point on the end.  Of course the one I need for the power steering box has the end nipped off from someone who must have left it in and tried to drive away. Time to break out the welder.

Title: Re: Need to 'center' Manual Steering Box
Post by: Charles 230SL on February 25, 2015, 19:46:38

thanks guys, this is exactly what I was looking for.