W202 c class Steering play?

[At121]

Good afternoon,

So I had a commercial tire shop fail my 1999 C230K yearly inspection for steering play. They pointed out “play” in the steering box by the pitman arm and drag link. I said ok and planned on replacing the drag link and a leaking steering damper.

I ordered a new drag link and steering damper. However when I lifted the car to do the work and pushed at 3 and 9 I noticed the play they were referring was also moving the steering wheel. The only play I observed was the steering lock side to side. I’m wondering if this is normal for this type of steering set up?
I uploaded some videos.


Any feedback is appreciated, thank you.

 

[Rand]

No Idea, maybe @Trav ?

 

[Trav]

It may be the video but it looks like there is excessive play in the steering box.

 

[JohnnyG]

I can't see any play anywhere! Maybe have someone hold the steering wheel next time it's checked, assuming you are going to get it re-inspected.

 

[Astro14]

It may be the video but it looks like there is excessive play in the steering box.

That’s what I was going to say. It’s the box.

But it is hard to tell because the video darts all over the place, like a Go-pro mounted on a hamster…

Back up, hold steady, have someone turn the wheel left and right, keep that joint in view, and the pitman arm in view.

 

[tcp71]

the slight movement of the steering shaft translates directly to the arm. I don't see the slightest bit of play in the box.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

We need a more zoomed out view.

But I'm genuinely surprised (and impressed) that Benz was using a steering box on a car that new!

 

[barryh]

Those steering boxes are adjustable or at least mine was on my old W201. There was an Allen key and lock nut which could be used to adjust play. It's important that the adjustment is done with the wheels in the straight ahead position as if you adjust it on lock it will bind when returned to straight ahead. Conversely if you test for play on lock it can seem excessive but it will not be excessive when returned to straight ahead. Mechanics should know this but make sure they tested it straight ahead.

In the UK the rules of our annual safety inspection (MOT) make allowances for steering boxes having inherently more play than rack and pinion.

 

[At121]

Just wanted to give an update. I brought the car back and explained that I see virtually no loss of motion from the steering wheel to the tires, and perhaps we missed that the steering wheel was moving along with the tires last time. It passed, on to the next headache. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[JHZR2]

I don’t know if the w202 has a steering box like my older MB cars. But if it does, the FSM has an allowable spec for free play. For the w126 it’s 1” (25mm).

 

[Marcozi]

Just wanted to give an update. I brought the car back and explained that I see virtually no loss of motion from the steering wheel to the tires, and perhaps we missed that the steering wheel was moving along with the tires last time. It passed, on to the next headache. Thanks everyone for your input.

Find another shop.