[W126 Coupe] Adjust steering box?

[Dick Spellman]

Hi Mike:

I've done the adjustment on an SE. Yes it's in a tough spot but, it can 
be done. Before you go at it, have you checked the steering damper and 
or idler arm bushings to be sure one or both are not a part of the 
problem? And assuming you've been over the whole front end and it's 
fine, you'll need to take the correct size closed end wrench and bend 
the handle upward, cutting-off any stub that's still in the way, then 
tape the hand grip area.

Backing the locking nut away a bit be sure to observe if the hex 
adjuster follows the nut! If it does you just inadvertently tightened 
the steering. I found the adjuster frozen to the lock nut and had to use 
a bit of Blaster spray stuff followed by some working of both the lock 
nut and the adjuster to free them up. To break the lock nut free, I used 
the cut wrench, a big vise grip on the handle and a long heavy screw 
driver (flat blade) to lever the whole assembly. Place your hand on the 
wrench/nut to prevent the wrench from jumping off as you brake the nut 
free of the steering box while pulling on the lever assembly you've 
made. Also, before you begin, mark the adjuster, lock-nut and gear box 
positions so you have a reference from which to start. I did the work 
with the wheels on the ground (MB types do not recommend this) and 
worked the adjuster CCW 1/8 turn at a time from the reference mark until 
I felt the play was lessened. Check the play by grabbing a hold of the 
nylon fitting up the column near the firewall and wiggling while 
watching the lower steering box arm and or wheels on the car for 
movement. Then it's hold the adjuster position while tightening the lock 
nut followed by a test of the tension from stop to stop to be sure it's 
not too tight.

Biggest problem is not being able to see as you go because your arms are 
in the way when tightening that nut and holding the adjuster. Again the 
reference mark is the only way you will be sure you did not change your 
desired friction on the steering while torquing the lock nut.

Also, be aware that backing off the nut too much will allow some air to 
enter and you get that steering pump groaning noise for a while until 
the air evacuates of it's own accord.

Dick

just back from the left coast and so I just don't get to these postings 
like I used to.

Mike R. wrote:

> Has anyone figured out how to adjust the steering gearbox? Mine is too 
> loose (in the SEL), allowing a shimmy in the steering, and I have NO 
> idea how to adjust that thing when it’s just under the exhaust 
> manifold. I’m thinking that it might be easier by disconnecting the 
> steering column from the top, then taking the three mounting bolts 
> loose that hold the box to the frame. It looks like I either have to 
> lower the steering box or raise the engine.
>
> Later,
>
> Mike R.
>
> (702) 494-8056
>
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