Steering - Inspection & Torque Specifications

REF. NO. 46/79

DATE: March 1996

TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

SUBJECT:
MODEL 210
A. INSPECTING TIE ROD RUBBER BOOTS
B. MODIFIED TIGHTENING TORQUES FOR STEERING RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY
C. MODIFIED TIGHTENING TORQUES FOR STEERING FLEXIBLE JOINTS

A. INSPECTING TIE ROD RUBBER BOOTS





The tie rod rubber boots (1g, Figure 1) of the steering system must be inspected during 15,000 miles/24,000 km service as follows:

- Raise the vehicle under the front axle

- Turn wheels all the way to one side and inspect stretched boot for cracks, rub marks, punctures or any other visible damage. Inspect rubber boot on the other side by turning the wheels the opposite way.

- Replace as required.

!CAUTION!
Do not squeeze the rubber boot or bend the bulge for inspection. This may damage the boot and cause eventual lubricant leakage.

B. MODIFIED TIGHTENING TORQUE FOR STEERING RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY





^ Bolts (23g, Figure 2) fastening the support bracket to the front axle subframe - 50 Nm (was 70 Nm).

^ Bolts (23a, Figure 2) fastening the steering rack and pinion assembly to the front axle subframe - 50 Nm + 60° angle torque (was 70 Nm).

^ Tie rod ball joint nut (10h, Figure 2) 70 Nm (was 55 Nm).

^ Tie rod locking nut (10i, Figure 2) 60 Nm (was 50 Nm).

!CAUTION!
When performing any repairs to the steering system, do not reuse any nuts and bolts. Replace them always with new ones.

C. MODIFIED TIGHTENING TORQUE FOR STEERING FLEXIBLE JOINTS





^ Fastening bolts and nuts for the steering column flexible joint (2c, 2e, Figure 3) 20 Nm (was 25Nm).

!CAUTION!
The modified tightening torques must be followed exactly. Always replace self-locking nuts with new ones.





This S.I. applies to the following models as of MY 1994 (earlier models may apply as well).