Steering box rebuild?? Mercedes W123

[Deleted]

Just picked up my new money pit, the steering box is leaking, there are receipts for a reconditioned box 30k ago, I am thinking of replacing the seals, but don't want to start it if I cant finish it. I'm reasonably good with a spanner but if anyone knows a good reason not to touch it then please advise.
Its also a daily driver so time off the road needs to be limited.


link to what I'm thinking of getting:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Steering-Gear-Box-Gasket-Set-Mercedes-Benz-W123-Series-Kombi-Coupe-08696-/111115560879?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AMercedes-Benz|Plat_Gen%3AW123&hash=item19df00e7af

Any advise, gratefully received.

[Deleted]

Oh bum, link didnt work not sure why, anyway as i said above its just a seal kit that I'm thinking of.

[TurboDieselWeasel]

Make sure you mark the position of any moving parts you may need to remove (steering arm p.e.). And maybe wrap the shafts with clear tape and lsightly oil it if you need to push oil seals over to prevent them from being damaged

[Deleted]

Thanks TDWeasel, I've found some info - sounds like the pitman arm can be a real pain to get off, anyone know about that or any tips?

[TurboDieselWeasel]

Sounds like a job for a big two legged puller and gentle(!) heat

I don't use a blow torch on suspension/steering parts, just a heat gun. With some penetrating oil during heating. So far this has always helped.

[composimmonite]

What car is the box fitted ?

Paul H

[Deleted]

It fitted to a 1984 Mercedes 230te W123

[composimmonite]

If it's leaking from the arm shaft then the area where the oil seal touches could be worn, pitted or damaged. After all if it's a recon unit then unless the shaft was changed 30,000 miles ago it could have several hundred thousand miles of wear depending on standards of the reconditioner If genuine Merc recon unit then you can reckon it'll be sound but anybody else will simply inspect and fit new seal if it appears OK. I'm a cynic about a lot of reconditioners and would probably source a known good replacement rather than have the hassle of removing from car, difficulty removing pitman arm, stripping down, checking over & rebuilding.

Paul H

[TurboDieselWeasel]

You will have a VERY hard time finding a good 2nd hand W123 steering box... Even cars with less than 100kkm on the odometer can have play rangine up to 10cm at the wheel! I'd rather try anything to get a known reconditioned steering box leak free

and now we have two opposing opinions...

[Deleted]

If it's leaking from the arm shaft then the area where the oil seal touches could be worn, pitted or damaged. After all if it's a recon unit then unless the shaft was changed 30,000 miles ago it could have several hundred thousand miles of wear depending on standards of the reconditioner If genuine Merc recon unit then you can reckon it'll be sound but anybody else will simply inspect and fit new seal if it appears OK. I'm a cynic about a lot of reconditioners and would probably source a known good replacement rather than have the hassle of removing from car, difficulty removing pitman arm, stripping down, checking over & rebuilding.

Paul H

Thanks Paul, i do agree about reconditioned parts, as i am also a cynic when it comes to that sort of thing. I would ideally find a good replacement......

You will have a VERY hard time finding a good 2nd hand W123 steering box... Even cars with less than 100kkm on the odometer can have play rangine up to 10cm at the wheel! I'd rather try anything to get a known reconditioned steering box leak free

and now we have two opposing opinions...

And thanks TDWeasel, i've seen secondhand units for sale for about £100, they are advertised as good, but cant afford to throw money at a box thats no better than mine.

So i just now need to work out whether I have the ability to take one apart, put new seals in, and reassemble and end up with no parts left over!

So two opposing opinions, both of which I agree with.

[colnerov]

So. Two approaches, one is about economics, the other is about confidence. Think positive!!