Mercedes-Benz W124 steering play and steering box adjustment
The W124 steering has play or the car wanders. What is wrong?
The most common cause is play in the steering box (steering gear), which spoils the driving feel even if the rest of the suspension is in good shape. Play in the steering wheel can show as about 2 cm of movement at the rim of the wheel. Other causes are worn lower ball joints, loose rubber bushings at the rear and front wheel bearings. Check the joints and bushings before four-wheel alignment.
How do I adjust the W124 steering box?
The box is in the subframe on the driver's side. Loosen the locknut (17 or 19 mm) and turn the hex socket screw (5 or 6 mm) inwards, which tightens the box. Hold the nut in place while turning the screw. Adjust with the steering wheel centred, in small steps, and test drive each time. Steering is a safety item, so have a workshop check the result.
How much can the steering box be tightened?
Remove the play with the steering wheel in the centre position and tighten only a little more. A box that is too tight makes the steering stiff and the car wanders. If all play is removed, the box can seize when it warms up. If the adjustment is not enough, the box is worn and it is repaired with a repair kit or replaced with another steering gear.