I just got this '82 300 TD wagon and the steering has a fair amount of "play" in it. I can turn the steering wheel a good inch to two inches to either side before I feel the wheels turning. Is this normal for old Mercedes, or is this something that I can fix without too much trouble?

About an inch of play is normal. If the play you're experiencing is limited to the steering wheel side of the steering box, you can adjust the steering box to remove the play. If the play includes parts after the box, you need front end work before adjusting the box.

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Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Thanks for the info. I will have to take a look and figure out exactly where the problem lies, before or after the steering box.

Let's see some photos. BTW, my wagon has about an inch or so of travel; maybe a little bit more. It actually tightens up a bit at hwy speeds.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

You mean photos of the wagon itself?

I have an 84 td and it has about 2 inches play, ive read a link where you can adjust something on the steering box under the hood to take some of the play out of the steering wheel, I havent yet because I need to get some 'loosening juice' on the bolts before cranking on

yah, put up some photos of the wagon, it may not help diagnosing the problem, but its nice to see a fellow wagoneer

yeah.

__________________
1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

You adjust the steering box by the large screw with the locking nut on the top of the steering box - takes just a few minutes. Loosen the locking nut and back the screw out to bring the two gears closer together. If the box gears are badly worn, you won't be able to take sufficient play out of it

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Houston, Texas
1984 300CD 235K miles, Elvira, one owner
1987 300TD 180K miles
1974 TR6 78K miles Sarah Jane, one owner
OBK #27

I just put some photos up in my "user gallery".

Thanks for the tip. I will have to take a look see.

Your wagon looks really slick. Mine doesn't have those cool chrome strips around the wheel openings. I'll have to try and find some of those.

ahhh, noooooo!!! don't put the chrome eyebrows on unless you are hiding rust, because if you do, you will be...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Thanks for warning me. I thought they looked cool, but I guess unless you live somewhere without much rain they could cause problems.

They look good if done well, but not so much if done by a hack shop. Mine were put on probably by the dealer, but who knows as I am the 3rd owner. Regardless, no rust. Which is probably due to the car being in FL, AZ, and CA it's whole life.

I like the color of your wagon. Classy. I've also been thinking about putting my Thule on top, but don't know if I'll like how it'll look...

__________________
1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Thanks!

__________________
1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)