Steering - Centering & Leak Sealing

90mercedes04
TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: October 1990


SUBJECT: A. MODIFIED CENTER POSITION MARKING OF STEERING GEAR LS068 MODELS 124, 201
B. STEERING WHEEL/STEERING SHAFT CENTER POSITION MARKING MODELS 124, 129, 201
C. SEALING LEAKY STEERING GEARS LS068
REF.NO. 46/69

Figure 1:

Figure 2:

A. Modified Center Position Marking Of Steering Gear LS068 Models 124, 201

As of February 1990 production, steering gears with external centering marks (arrow, Figure 1) as in Model 129 are being installed. This eliminates the screw plug in the steering gear and the inspection plug for the center position.

External centering marks consist of notches or lines and are located on:

- steering coupling: notch (Figure 1),

- steering worm: line engraved in groove between splines ( arrow, Figure 2),

- upper bearing cap: notch (Figures 1 and 2).

If all three marks are aligned, the steering gear is in its center position.

Figure 3:

Figure 4:

B. Steering Wheel/Steering Shaft Center Position Marking Models 124, 129; 201

The exterior marking of the steering gear has been phased-in together with the steering wheel/steering shaft center position marking.

The steering wheel is marked by two tooth gaps opposite each other on the spline (arrows, Figure 3).


The marker lines on the steering shaft (22, Figure 4) are located on the end face.

On steering wheel must be slippedon with the tooth gaps covering the market lines (possible deviation 1/2 tooth maximum).
Note: During the road test, check position of the steering wheel with the front wheels in straight-ahead position. If the steering wheel position does not match the straight-ahead position of the front wheels, the steering wheel may be repositioned on the splines so that it is off the marking by a of 1 tooth.

If the straight-ahead portion is still incorrect, toe-in distribution must be readjusted (job 40-320).
C. Sealing Leaky Steering Gears LS068

A leaky steering gear (e.g. at the radial seal ring or at the adjusting screw) should not be replaced, but be sealed according to repair instructions "Steering gear 765.9".

A steering gear should only be replaoed if the leaking radial seal ring of the steering shaft is pressed in from the inside of the bearing cap (since 3/88 production).

Note: For removal and installation of the steering gear with external centering marks, please follow repair instructions as listed in Microfiche "Steering, Model 124, 201, job 46-412" which will be released in the near future.