Evaluating steering gear when repairing accident vehicles - AH46.20-P-9409-01GA

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MODEL 461, 463

Accidents with damage to body

In the case of accidents with superficial damage (e.g. deformed fenders, side members, side paneling, rear end, etc.), the steering gear can continue to be used on condition that components of the front axle, of the steering gear or of the steering linkage are not damaged. For vehicles with recirculating-ball steering a check must be made to ensure that the steering shaft does not exhibit any twisting on the spline.

Accidents with deformation at the front axle or steering linkage

For safety reasons, the steering gear must be replaced if components of the front axle, steering gear or steering linkage are permanently deformed.

NOTE: A shock transmitted to the steering gear through the front axle or steering linkage may have caused damage which is not externally visible. The pressure and crack test necessary to ascertain this is not possible in the workshops, so the steering gear should always be replaced in case of doubt.

If the damage is connected with an insurance claim , we recommend:

Advising the insurance company concerned or the relevant expert of the necessity of this procedure.
If the steering gear is to be left in the vehicle contrary to the opinions of the workshop staff responsible, we recommend asking the expert or insurance officer to confirm his decision with his signature.
If, in exceptional cases, a steering gear is to be inspected (e.g. at the request of the insurance company if the steering gear was named as the cause of the accident), the expert or insurance officer must issue a separate commission.
The workshop may send the steering gear accompanied by a warranty parts return slip for investigation to:

Mercedes-Benz Lenkungen GmbH

Unloading point 437

Quality Assurance

40476 Dusseldorf