'83 240D Power Steering "Slop"

I've got a '83 240D with Power Steering. Riding down the highway, the steering has quit a bit of play. I'd estimate I can turn the wheel about an inch (5-10 degrees) without any noticeable effect on the wheels. With the car parked and off, if I grab the input shaft to the steering gear box I can turn is about 5-10 degrees before I see any noticeable movement underneath at the control arm. SO I believe most of the "slop" I am experiencing is coming from the gear box and not further down (tie-rods, bushings, etc.). I noticed in the shop manual that there is an adjustment procedure for the gear box. It looks simple enough but shows torque curves through the steering handle travel. So here's my question: Will this adjustment procedure take the "slop" out of my steering or do I need a new/rebuilt gear box?

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Questions and Answers

Chassis Model Number

W123

steering shock

A new steering shock fixed mine,$19.

Adjusting steering box

This is a very common malady in the 116, 123, and 126 chassis. Probably due to the fact these old Benz get driven a lot. You have to be careful adjusting the play out of a BADLY WORN steering box. From my experience most boxes on cars with over 180,000 miles cannot be fixed by an adjustment. If you get too agressive at adjusting the play out in the centering position (where most of the wear occurs) you will end up with the box binding up at the outer travel points and that can be a little scary....

Replacing with a used steering box usually does not help much as most of those boxes come from cars with high mileage. Unless you can find a box off a car with less than 120,000 miles you are better off living with it or getting a rebuilt unit. I am currently working on a Tips and Tricks guide that will take you through proper adjustment as well as replacement procedures.