Play in steering system - AF46.00-P-3002A

MODEL 168, 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 414

Damage code	Cause	Remedy
46 481 17	Information from customer:	Under which steering conditions/during which steering operations is the steering play present and how is it noted? While standing/parking or while driving (under which driving conditions, speed)? Are noises audible simultaneously?
	General check/evaluation of steering system:	When a complaint regarding play in the steering system is received, it is necessary to evaluate the complaint precisely: 3 types of play are possible in the steering system: Customer complaints about supposed play in steering system, however means unsatisfactory straight line stability, particularly at high speed. This complaint is caused by actual play in the steering only in rare cases and is usually caused by other factors involving the suspension system. Play in the steering column which is noted at the steering wheel by forces working in the axial or horizontal/vertical direction. Rotary play at steering wheel which can be checked with the following test method.
		Check whether steering play can be reproduced. Evaluate steering play only with engine running.
		2 Check whether customer may be complaining about standard state. If applicable, use comparison vehicle.
		3 Check whether play is present to the same degree when turning to the left/right.
		4 Check whether play can be felt when standing/parking and/or while driving.
		5 Check whether noises are also present in combination with the play. If so, how is it noticeable?
	Cause 1:	Remedy 1:
	Track rod	Is play present in the tie rod joints when pushed/pulled: ↓ Evaluate outer tie rod joint and inner joint. To check the inner joint it is necessary to open the bellows.
		If play can be felt: ↓ 2 Remove/install/replace tie rod.
	Cause 2:	Remedy 2:
	Steering coupling	Remove steering coupling, clamp into vise and check for play. Do not damage steering coupling.
		Play noticeable: ↓ 2 Remove/install/replace steering coupling.
	Cause 3:	Remedy 3:
	Steering column	To check without power steering (engine shut off): ↓
	Theoretically, the steering column can have two types of play: Play in steering shaft bearing in jacket tube: This type of play can be felt at the steering wheel when it is moved to the left/right or up and down. Play in steering column joints: This play is noticeable more by a cracking noise when reversing direction than by perceptible play at the steering wheel. This results in the steering column joints required for compensation of the length/height.	Move steering wheel back and forth and feel joints with finger whether play is present.
	Cause 4:	Remedy 4:
	Steering gear (not including tie rods)	Check play in steering gear.	SI46.20-P-0003A
	The technical layout of the steering gear requires a basic clearance. This is normal and must not be mixed up with excessive play.	The steering gear is fastened to the front axle carrier using rubber bushings. If these are worn particularly on cars with high mileage and age, the steering can move excessively at the attachment points resulting in spongy handling: ↓
	If uncertainties exist, check the steering by comparing with the steering in a comparison vehicle (new if possible).	2 Remove/install/replace rubber bushings.
		If the permissible play is exceeded after checking as described and the tie rods are OK, the play in the steering gear may be justified in exceptional cases. 3 Remove/install steering gear, measure thrust element play and adjust, replace if required
		Play cannot be determined by pulling/ pressing on the toothed rack or input shaft on the steering valve. A certain amount of basic clearance is always present at these points. Play when reversing the steering direction when maneuvering/parking can be caused by the thrust element: ↓ 4 Measure thrust element play and adjust if required.