Steering Linkage - Update and Torques

83mercedes02

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS


DATE: March, 1983 REF. NO. 46/55


SUBJECT: MODIFICATIONS IN THE STEERING LINKAGE

A. MODIFIED TIE RODS
B. MODIFIED CONNECTION OF DRAG LINK AND TEE RODS TO THE STEERING ARMS MODEL 123

FIGURE 1 - PREVIOUS TIE ROD (PART NO. 123 330 07 03):

FIGURE 2 - MODIFIED TIE ROD (PART NO. 123 330 15 03):

A. Modified Tie Rods

Since August 1982 production, tie rods with longer tubes and ball joints with equal thread lengths have been installed (Figure 2). On these tie rods the inboard ball joint (pitman arm or idler arm) is locked to the tube with a counternut (Figure 2, 24), while the outboard ball joint (steering knuckle arm) is locked with a clamp and self-locking nut (M8)..
Installation

The modified tie rod should be installed as follows:

Ball joint, locked with clamp - connect to steering knuckle arm
and self -locking nut (M8) (wheel).

Ball joint, locked with counternut - connect to pitman arm or idler arm,

respectively.

For detailed information, refer to microfiche no. 07 102 2379 04, job no. 46-540.

FIGURE 2 - MODIFIED TIE ROD (PART NO. 123 330 15 03):

NOTE: Be sure to tighten the self-locking M8 nut on the clamp first and then tighten the counternut (Figure 2,24). This will prevent the tie rod from turning and changing the adjustment.

CAUTION: During adjustment of the tie rod, the self-locking nut (M8) of the clamp must always be replaced.
Tightening torques:

Self-locking nut (M8) of the clamp 18 +/- 3 N-m (13 +/- 2 lb. ft.)

Counternut 50 +/- 5 N-m (37 +/- 4 lb. ft.)


Parts Information


Part Name Part Number

Tie rod 123 330 15 03

Nut, self-locking (M8) 913004 008001

Old and new tie rods are interchangeable.

FIGURE 3:

B. Connecting Drag Link and Tie Rods to the Steering Arms - Model 123

Since July 1982 production, the drag link and tie rods are connected to the steering arms with self-locking nuts (35). To prevent the ball pins from turning when tightening these nuts having greater resistance, use the 5 mm hex. socket (arrow) to hold the ball pin in position (Figure 3).

NOTE: The self-locking nuts are not reusable. Tighten self-locking nuts to 35 N-m (26 lb. ft.)
Repair Notes

The drag link and tie rods with a hex. socket in their ball joints are not available as spare parts. For repairs, drag link and tie rod ball joints with castle nuts and cotter pins (previous versions) must be used. Refer to Service microfiche no. 07 102 2379 04, job no. 46-540 and 46-550 (Steering type 123).

Parts Information


Part Name Part Number

Nut, self-locking 913002 010002
(M10)