Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Martyberg on January 03, 2020, 12:07:20

Title: Steering play
Post by: Martyberg on January 03, 2020, 12:07:20

Good day all,

I finally had some time to replace the bushings in the steering coupling. The car had at least 1 inch of play in the steering wheel which resulted in me having to make continuous small corrections while driving. Very irritating. A few different causes posted on these forums but the bushings in the steering coupling seem to be a common issue. After taking the cover off it was fairly obvious that the bushings had completely disintegrated leaving huge gaps and play in the coupling.

I followed the advice on these forums on the procedure to change the bushings. Just some of my own general observations:

I found it an absolute pain as you spend a large amount of time upside down with your head twisted at an unnatural angle while removing/reinstalling the cotter pins and generally doing all the other stuff in the footwell. If you were a gymnast or contortionist  in a previous life this might help. One of the cotter pins broke off while being removed ......lots of swearing on that one! For me the biggest issue was getting the power steering box reattached to the body. The 3 bolts would not line up no matter what I did, including turning the steering wheel x1 as suggested on these forums. After hours of frustration I eventually had to get under the car and wiggle it until my friend could get a Phillips screwdriver into one of the holes.

The difference in the steering afterwards is incredible. No play and the steering feels solid and direct as it should be. I would suggest anyone with steering play to take the cover off and check the bushes in the coupling. These bushings were not designed to last 50+ years.

Attached are some pictures of the old bushings or more like dried out gel!

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: Martyberg on January 03, 2020, 12:13:33

Some more pictures of new installed bushings.

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: johnk on January 03, 2020, 14:09:29

Thanks Martyberg. This is a good pointer that I should check mine before I reinstall my steering column.

John

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: EeVeeWee on January 03, 2020, 14:16:08

Good job!
Fortunately I already renewed mine.  :)

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: ja17 on January 03, 2020, 18:36:01

Keeping the steering indexed correctly is important. A centering tool is used to keep the steering box on center. The steering column can also be pinned to keep the slash mark upward. When all is indexed correctly the steering wheel is centered, the steering will have equal turns from lock left to lock right from center and the slash mark on the steering column end is upward with the wheels straight ahead. When correct the turn signals cancel correctly. Also when the steering shaft is indexed correctly, the steering lock works every time the steering wheel is centered (key removed).

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: johnk on January 03, 2020, 19:11:17

Thanks again Joe. This will be an big help for my reinstallation.

John

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: mbzse on January 03, 2020, 19:22:45

Quote from: ja17

.../...A centering tool is used to keep the steering box on center.../...

Here an illustration showing the tool (3) in use. Thread is M8x1 (fine pitch)

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: EeVeeWee on January 03, 2020, 20:20:08

Very interesting information!

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: johnk on January 04, 2020, 05:46:05

thank you thank you

Title: Re: Steering play
Post by: yves on January 04, 2020, 07:18:11

I have refurbished my steering box in 2019 and made that "centering tool " which was perfect for the job. It can be pushed completely and stay in place easily
(https://i.goopics.net/800/7j8Om.jpg) (https://goopics.net/i/7j8Om)