Checking the play in the steering - wh4650pkw0000x(4650)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 42 other vehicles, including the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S420, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S320, and 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL600. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Model 107 from 8/85; 123; 124, 129, 140 up to 6/93; 126 from 9/85; 201 from 1/85

Revision: Text revised

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Play

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rods And Drag Link

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Play (a) at steering wheel	check.
NOTE: For testing the vehicle should be positioned on the wheels. Permissible play at outer circumference of steering wheel with engine off and steering wheel in center position max. 25 mm.
Tie rods (10) and drag link (11) NOTE: Replace drag link (RI 46-0550) or tie rod ball joints (RI 46-0540) on separate order only.	check play. It should not be possible to feel any play. Possibilities for checking: Check play of tie rod and drag link heads by pushing and pulling forcefully; or Move steering wheel approx. 100 mm from left to right and vice versa (vehicle standing on wheels), while having a second man feel of the tie rod and drag link heads.
Idler arm (3) NOTE: Additional test of idler arm rubber slide bearing with dial gauge (RI 46-0110), as well as replacement of rubber slide bearing (RI 46-0520) only on separate order.	check play by pulling and pushing slightly (approx. 50-70 N).
Rubber sleeves for joints	check for leakage and condition.
NOTE: If one of the rubber sleeves is leaky (e.g. grease exiting), the affected joint must be replaced immediately on separate order, because dirt which has gotten into the joint will destroy it within a short time.
Steering coupling	check for play (item 1).
NOTE: If the steering linkage is okay, however the play (a) at the steering wheel is impermissibly high, check the steering gear play and readjust, if required. The steering gear can be readjusted with the steering gear installed only when the adjustment procedure is observed precisely (on separate order, RI 46-480).

Check steering coupling (2) for play.

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Coupling
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Models 124, 129, 201 (except 124.034/036)

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Coupling

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Models 124.034/036, 140