Slack in steering wheel

[georgem]

Hi,

Lately I have noticed a bit more slack in the steering wheel - thought that the steering box might need adjusting (non power steering).

Anyway, today it seemed worse and I started to hear/feel a metallic clunk every time I turned the wheel.  A quick look showed that most of the slack was coming from the steering connector - the fitting on the shaft just up from the box.

The three studs which join the two halves are loose in the holes  - I assume they had rubber bushes at one time. Is this repairable or a throw away item?

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi George,
This is probably where your problem lies. This steering universal has built in rubber sleeves which smoothens the “universal” effect and ensuring a smooth operation of the steering wheel.
You local MB dealer should be able to assist.
Regards
Chris

[georgem]

Hi Chris
Tks for the reply. I figured that was the problem - I guess I was asking can the two studs (I thought there were three)  that join the the two halves together be repaired with new rubber bushes - Niemoller  sell what looks like a bushing for the coupling - " D46059 Bushing Steering Coupling" - but I wasn`t sure. Easier to buy the whole coupling as you identify?

[badali]

Pictures,  The hard part is indexing the shaft so the turn signals cancel.    I failed at that part... The bushings were less than $10.

[georgem]

Brad

Fantastic photos thanks. I have a feeling that a PO has done this once before because it looks (I haven`t taken it out yet) that the two studs are around the wrong way - maybe its a marvel that it lasted so long. Anyway, time to get it out and have a proper look as the repair or replace options are available.

BTW - this should be in the Manual -the pictures are so self explanatory.

Thanks again

[rwmastel]

Yes, pics good enough for the Rech Manual.  I had forgotten about the cotter pins.