Steering excessive play
I have been told there is excessive play in the steering on my 300GDS 463, although I can't say I noticed. Does anyone have any good ideas how to replace the steering box? The new item is prohibitively expensive. I am wondering if the same part is fitted to a Merc truck perhaps, or if it can be reliably reconditioned,
Thanks
Who told you this? Its normal to have some play when the steering is in the straight ahead position, whats more common than steering box failure is wear in the track control arms, on the knuckles. A failing steering damper can also manifest itself as a bouncy front end at speeds of 40 -60 mph. A failed steering box occurs when the internal seals fail and the steering will become very heavy indeed rather than showing play.
I had a problem with my steering box last year but it was a leaking hose not the box itself so it was easy to fix. Check exactly where the leak is from before you commit to replacing the box, there are reconditioners who supply replacements. One that was listed in the magazine a while ago was Engineering Hydraulic Services, of Bilston in the West Midlands 01902 491313
Thanks, I will give them a shout.
I am really surprised by the price I am being quoted for a new one. I would have expected it to be a stock part from somewhere
Hi there are various related threads on the forum and a recent one explained the problem. the removal. the repair. and the re instal.!! for not a lot of money. hardest part appeared to be the Pitman arm relocation...click on "GRECIAN" past threads for details....... when you get it repaired change the oil every two years and the problem will not re occur......
Thanks.
The main problem is that the cost of a new replacement is huge, and I have been advised that re-conditioned might not be any better than the old one in terms of excessive play. So I am really looking for any advice or suggestions about where to get a replacement.
Good suggestion on the oil change, thanks for that.
Hi there are many specialist steering box overhaul facilities..it is not an MB manufactured item.they just add their % when you buy from them..there is also an MB (over the counter exchange) program for steering boxes but I do not know if it applies to RHD boxes.....the dirt and moisture in the oil corrodes the output spigot shaft and this tears up the seals hence the leaks..the only cure is to strip and rebuild with new parts or replace with another box.... 460 and 463 boxes are the same but the part number is different..not an item to take off a "breaker" unless you know the history.......
OK, I think I need to hunt around for a replacement part
Getting mine reconditioned made a big difference to the play. Can't see what the point of getting a new one would be. Surely then you're just paying for a lump of metal which isn't the bit that fails....is it?
This is the thread that describes it all http://www.gwoa.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7809&postda...
Hi All,
Not trying to hijack your post but one is related to the other and maybe of help to me if possible, and also the next guy who has a similiar problem and searches the forum.
Need to source front axle drag link bars for my 1991 300GDL. I have got the open adjustable ends replaced but can't seem to locate the drag link bars (Front and rear) with the crimped track control end on. Mine is the wide axle version, so the 460 rear bar is a little short.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated as I am to do a charity challenge the end of the month and would like to have them done before this. Hence the slight panic.
Regards,
Mike
Link www.4x4challenge.org
I found a second hand box. We'll see how that goes. My garage were not keen on reconditioned box.
Hi you cannot get better than an exchange box from MB...for a price and warranty......
My MB dealer told me they are no longer available.
I guess you'll just have to see what difference the other one makes. Do let us know.
Hi I am told by MB Customer Service GERMANY phone 00800 777 7777 this part supplied to Part number A461 460 0101 as a reconditioned part only...there is no new stock of RHD steering boxes...
Hi There is an adjustment fitment on the top of the box.... looks like and Allen key grub screw with large lock nut ..undo the lock nut and rotate the grub screw a few mil at a time..it might weep from the output shaft/pitman arm seal after adjustment.....
That's useful, thanks. I spoke to MB UK who told me they could supply new, £3,000, but not reconditioned. Are you saying that Germany could supply a RHD reconditioned, but not new? I would have done that if I had known about it.
Why? Would it necessarily have been better to get a recon one from Germany rather than getting your own one reconditioned?
Only because it is MB and warranted.
Well, its back and the steering and handling is dramatically better. It is still heavy, of course, but it is much more positive and less general wandering over bumps. We had just got used to the way it was.
The drag link had fused to the steering arm and had to be cut off and replaced as well. The old steering box was in a sorry state when we got it off.
JOIN THE GWOA
This website and forum are provided for the benefit of enthusiasts and owners of all Mercedes Benz off road vehicles, in particular the G Wagen. The costs of development, upkeep and provision of the site are met entirely by the annual subscriptions of club members. If you are using the site and are not a member of the G Wagen Owners Association please consider joining. You will have access to areas on the site that are not open to non members, to club trips and meetings and to technical assistance. In addition your contribution (only £25 annually) will help us maintain and develop our website for future users.
Who's new
- Breniq
- Roscoe25
- RozzaTS
- Awon
- f.ecoheat
Thanks, that's interesting. I have been told this by two different garages independently. I had a failed steering damper before, but not this time. This time apparently the seals have failed as well. So I think I do need to replace it, but a new one costs a fortune