Evaluating The Steering Gear When Repairing An Accident Vehicle - Ah46.20-P-9409-01A

Type 907

Accidents with sheet metal damage
In the event of accidents with sheet metal damage (e.g. deformed fenders, long members, side panels, rear section, etc.), the steering gear can continue to be used provided that parts of the front axle, the steering gear or the steering linkage are not damaged.

On vehicles with recirculating ball steering (types 129, 140, 170, 202, 208, 240, 461, 463), it is also important to ensure that the steering input shaft (connection of the lower steering spindle to the steering gear) and the flexible disk (Hardy disk) do not twist (torsion) ) exhibit.
Accidents with permanent deformations on the front axle or steering rod
For safety reasons, the steering gear must be replaced if parts of the front axle, the steering gear or the steering linkage are permanently deformed.

A shock that was transmitted to the steering gear via the front axle or the steering rod could have caused damage that was not visible from the outside. A pressure and crack test required for this is not possible in the workshop, therefore the steering gear must be replaced in case of doubt.

Type all (smart)

For safety reasons, the steering must be renewed if:
- The tire, rim, wheel nut or hub cap is permanently deformed or broken.
- In the event of fire damage, the color of the steering is charred or raised, or the rubber sleeves are deformed or burned.
Accidents with a deployed driver airbag
In the event of an accident with a deployed driver's airbag, the steering wheel and jacket tube must always be replaced. Triggering the driver's airbag can cause invisible damage to the steering wheel and jacket tube.

If the damage is an insured event, it is recommended that the relevant insurance company or the authorized motor vehicle expert be informed of the necessity of this procedure.

If, contrary to the opinion of the responsible workshop personnel, the steering gear should remain in the vehicle, it is recommended that the decision of the expert or

To have the insurance officer confirmed by his signature.

If, in exceptional cases, a steering gear is to be diagnosed (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 order for this.
Accidents with damaged engine compartment trim in vehicles with electric power steering (ES)
If there is visible damage to the engine compartment lining or the steering plate, it is essential to check the steering gear for damage. In particular, the housing of the steering gear must be visually checked for external damage and cracks.

The steering gear must be removed in order to be checked. This is the only way to make a holistic assessment! If in doubt, the steering gear must be replaced.

Type 461, 463

Should a steering gear be diagnosed in exceptional cases:

The workshop can then send the steering gear with the warranty old parts return delivery note to:

Mercedes-Benz Lenkungen GmbH

Abladestelle 437

Qualitatssicherung

40476 Dusseldorf