Rack-and-pinion steering play compensator, function - GF46.20-P-1100-03T

Model 211 

Fig 1: Rack-And-Pinion Steering Play Compensator Function Diagram

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Function 

The thrust piece (6c) ensures that the drive pinion (4b) and rack (7) mesh without any play.

Engine ON:  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 rapid torque increase.