Valve play compensation, rack-and-pinion steering, component description - GF46.20-P-5138SX

MODEL 216.3, 221.0 /1 up to Model Year 8

Fig 1: Identifying Rack, Drive Pinion And Thrust Piece (Spring-Loaded)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Location

The valve play compensation or the rack-and-pinion steering is located in the steer jacket opposite the drive pinion.

Task

The thrust piece guarantees a play-free meshing of the drive pinion and gear rack.

Function

Engine running:

Because the hydraulic steering assistance starts immediately, no steering play is noticeable.

Engine OFF:

When steering, only a slight, gradually increasing torque is noticeable for a travel distance of approx. 50 mm.

This is due to the slewing range of the torsion bar in the rotary valve and should not be confused with play in the steering gear. Only when the steering wheel is turned further does the drive pinion begin to roll across the gear rack, which can be felt on the steering wheel in the form of a slight pressure point and a more rapidly torque increase.