Evaluating Steering Gear When Repairing Accident Vehicles - AH46.20-P-9409-01A

Model All (smart) 

Model 414, 415, 420, 447, 448, 638, 639, 903, 906, 907, 909, 910 

Model 461, 463, 464 

Model All (CAR) 

1. Accidents involving body damage

   In the event of accidents involving body damage (e.g. deformed fender, longitudinal member, side paneling, rear assembly etc.) the front axle or rear axle steering gear can be used again, on condition, that the front axle or rear axle, steering gear or steering linkage parts are not damaged.

   On vehicles with recirculating-ball steering (model 129, 140, 170, 202, 208, 240, 461, 463) the steering input shaft (connection of lower steering shaft to steering gear) and the flex disk (articulated disk) must be checked to ensure that they do not exhibit any angular movement (torsion).

2. Accidents with permanent deformation on front axle, rear axle or steering linkage 

   For safety reasons, the front axle or rear axle steering gear must be replaced if parts of the front axle or rear axle, steering gear or steering linkage suffer any permanent deformation.

   A shock transmitted to the steering gear through the front axle, rear axle or steering linkage may have caused damage that is not externally visible. The pressure and crack test required for this is not possible in workshops. Therefore, in case of doubt, replace the steering gear of the front axle or rear axle.

   Model all (smart)

   The steering must be replaced for safety reasons when:

   • Tire, rim, wheel nut or hub cap has a permanent set or is broken.
   • In the event of fire damage, the paint on the steering is charred or bubbled or the sealing bellows are deformed or burnt.
3. Accidents with triggered driver airbag 

   In the event of accidents with a driver airbag which has been triggered the steering wheel and steering column tube must always be replaced. Due to the driver airbag being triggered damage can occur to the steering wheel and the steering column tube which is not visible externally.

   If the damage referred to here is a claim, it is advisable to notify the appropriate insurance company or the authorized automotive expert about the necessity of this procedure.

   Should, contrary to the opinion of the workshop personnel responsible, the steering gear remain in the vehicle, it is advisable to have the decision of the appraiser or insurance company officer confirmed by his signature.

   Should in an exceptional case a steering gear is investigated (e.g. on demand by the insurance company if the steering gear has been mentioned as the cause of the accident), the appraiser or insurance company officer must issue a separate order for this.

4. Accidents with damaged engine compartment paneling on vehicles with electric power steering (ES) 

   In the event of visible damage to the engine compartment paneling or the steering plate, the steering gear must then be checked for damage.

   In particular, the steering gear housing must be visually inspected for signs of external damage and cracks.

   The steering gear has to be removed to enable inspection to be performed. This is the only way of ensuring an integrated assessment!

   In case of doubt, the steering gear must be replaced.

Model 461, 463, 464

If, in exceptional cases, a steering gear has to be inspected:

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