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Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild
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Posted 9/15/2010 9:38 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Ok, Call me a Masochist (well, I guess I DID go to the Marquis de Sade School of Mechanics), but I finally got fed up with my leaking gearbox and needed to do something about it...

Yes, I can hear you folks snickering (especially Dai) who warned me, "If you adjust your OLD gearbox... it'll LEAK". Actually, "initially" it was fine. For several months it worked great, and no leak. Call it "coincidence", but not too long after changing to Redline's PS Fluid, I noticed a tiny drip on my nice white floors... Hmmm. Following others' leads, I Backed-Off on adjustment, hoping whatever O-Ring was distorted, got re-adjusted to the old setting.

Well, no joy... Backing off the adjustment screw as much as I could safely do, obviously changing back to Dino PS Oil, and (don't shoot me....) I even tried some of that "LUCAS" PS Leak Stop (I thoroughly researched it prior to use... and it claimed it will do NO DAMAGE).

Even with all of this back-pedaling... I was having significant "Hershey Squirts" all over my floors... so enough is enough....

After choking at the idea of a $1,000 REBUILT! unit, I though I would push the envelope of my mechanical "Comfort Zone", and branch out and try something tough.

**OK, to be up-front, this procedure is NOT a "COMPLETE" Gear Box REBUILD... it is ONLY for Replacement of SEALS!!! Since the FUNCTION of the box was fine, I opted to just deal with the Seal Leaks, and NOT tear into the Operating Piston. I talked with several of my "old-timer" MB Dealership Techs, and they unanimously said, "JUST do the Seals!" Plus, even THEY did not have the proper tools to dismantle the Piston. Looking into the Cost of the Extra Tools? It was MORE than a re-build box, so screw that.

Also, the R/R procedure is not per WIS..... I was in a lazy mode, and thought it may be much easier to deliver the box from BELOW, rather than follow the WIS of Removing Radiator, and Power Steering Pump. Surprisingly, the Box required only a very SLIGHT displacement of the sheet metal covering of the engine bay. A mere tap with a hammer at the end put it right back into position, and NO wheel rub.

Be mindful- The box is quite HEAVY (Circa 70 pounds?) I suggest using a Jack (if no lift available) to PUSH the Box back up into the "birth canal"

Anyhooo, I tried to make the photos as self-explanatory as possible.

As always, this is designed as an "Entertainment Value Only"... Do work at your own risk, and don't hold me responsible for your results.

Cheers,
G-de-Sade



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#177507
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Author
Posted 9/15/2010 10:49 PM
Allister779



Date registered: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Vehicle(s): 1990 300GD
500
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Wow! Thank you!

How long did this project take?

Is the 160Ncm drag for the complete steering system?
#177516 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 9/15/2010 11:17 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Allister779 - 9/15/2010 10:49 PM

Wow! Thank you!

How long did this project take?

Is the 160Ncm drag for the complete steering system?


If I didn't have to take any photos.... I'd say I probably could have done the job in..... 4 hours??

Yes, the 160 Ncm value was specified upon completion of the Box reassembly ex-situ. There is also another WIS procedure for checking the overall steering friction IN-Situ, , which is 160 Ncm as well.

My curiosity was: "How much 'Friction' is in the actual Steering Column??"

In MY case, the steering shaft/U-Joints caused NO additional friction, which made me feel good that there (probably?) is no Ugliness in the Steering shaft itself.
#177517 - in reply to #177516
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Posted 9/16/2010 5:20 AM
nadd
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UAE, Dubai
Vehicle(s): G500 2016 LHD, numerous Chevys
Posts: 1285
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

G-AMG - 9/16/2010 4:17 AM

If I didn't have to take any photos.... I'd say I probably could have done the job in..... 4 hours??


Perish the thought! That makes it look like a walk in the park, especially the bit about "lowering the car onto the steering box", and I thought lifting the car alone was difficult

Yes, my back still hurts from lifting all 5,000 pounds, ha ha.

Actually, I think if one uses a Floor Jack and pushes the Box UP, you can get the same effect.
#177525 - in reply to #177517
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Posted 9/16/2010 6:12 AM
460332

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Europe
Vehicle(s):
500
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Great write-up, I 've got a spare gear box myself to play with.
Really good that you showed the position lines - I need them for wheels alignments.

But, what was actually inside that repair kit (picture), A 310 460 01 61, only the O-rings?
What about the teflon sealing rings, don't they wear, did you buy then new, or what?
Did you have to do any cleaning inside, deposit build-ups, etc?

Edited by 460332 9/16/2010 6:14 AM
#177527 - in reply to #177507
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Author
Posted 9/16/2010 8:42 AM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

460332 - 9/16/2010 6:12 AM

Great write-up, I 've got a spare gear box myself to play with.
Really good that you showed the position lines - I need them for wheels alignments.

But, what was actually inside that repair kit (picture), A 310 460 01 61, only the O-rings?
What about the teflon sealing rings, don't they wear, did you buy then new, or what?
Did you have to do any cleaning inside, deposit build-ups, etc?


Sorry, I guess I should have showed what was INSIDE the Parts Box.

Actually, there were... 25 Pieces? in the Repair Kit, including O-Rings, Teflon Sealing Rings, Crush Washers, plus a few more odds and ends for the Operating Piston. For $50 bucks, it was quite a good deal to now have a "New" FEELING steering system.

On the Inside, it was perfectly CLEAN, so I did not do a thing. On the External O-Ring edge at a few spots, there was a bit of rust that I Emory Cloth (Fine) knocked off.
#177532 - in reply to #177527
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Author
Posted 9/16/2010 7:49 PM
Allister779



Date registered: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Vehicle(s): 1990 300GD
500
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

G-AMG - 9/15/2010 9:17 PM
Allister779 - 9/15/2010 10:49 PM Wow! Thank you! How long did this project take? Is the 160Ncm drag for the complete steering system?
If I didn't have to take any photos.... I'd say I probably could have done the job in..... 4 hours?? Yes, the 160 Ncm value was specified upon completion of the Box reassembly ex-situ. There is also another WIS procedure for checking the overall steering friction IN-Situ, , which is 160 Ncm as well. My curiosity was: "How much 'Friction' is in the actual Steering Column??" In MY case, the steering shaft/U-Joints caused NO additional friction, which made me feel good that there (probably?) is no Ugliness in the Steering shaft itself.

I'm surprised the two bench and in-situ measurements are the same.  I would have also expected things like the king bearings to at least add a little bit of drag, even if it's just from the grease and the bearing preload. 

Thanks for the write up!

#177564 - in reply to #177517
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Posted 10/2/2010 4:13 PM
mortinson
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Madrid, España
Vehicle(s): '98 G300TD LWB, '98 E300TD Saloon
Posts: 1355
1000
RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Love the "rotational thingy" stuff
#178196 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 10/3/2010 11:30 AM
stevegsmith
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SF Bay Area, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 82 300GD WVO, 06 Jeep Lib CRD B99
Posts: 1301
1000
RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

What, no gloves?! Disgusting!!



Nice one, as usual.
#178219 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 10/3/2010 3:17 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

stevegsmith - 10/3/2010 11:30 AM

What, no gloves?! Disgusting!!



Nice one, as usual.


Only when I'm NOT touching the truck's "Bodily Fluids"
#178224 - in reply to #178219
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Posted 10/5/2010 7:41 AM
Boy G
Expert


Date registered: Feb 2007
Location: Bushveld, South Africa
Vehicle(s): Diesel G's: 617A and 602
Posts: 1683
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

That is a great write up - thanks.

Mine leaks via the little seal where the splined steering shaft goes into the box (where the 4 x 17mm bolts are. Did I miss this step somewhere?
#178323 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 10/5/2010 10:07 AM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Boy G - 10/5/2010 7:41 AM

That is a great write up - thanks.

Mine leaks via the little seal where the splined steering shaft goes into the box (where the 4 x 17mm bolts are. Did I miss this step somewhere?


Sorry, yes, I botched that photo step. If you look at Image #20, I am removing the Circlip holding that Seal in. All you do is remove the Circlip/Seal, and replace the Seal/Circlip.

I believe that site is the most common site of leakage.
#178331 - in reply to #178323
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Posted 10/18/2010 9:12 AM
Boy G
Expert


Date registered: Feb 2007
Location: Bushveld, South Africa
Vehicle(s): Diesel G's: 617A and 602
Posts: 1683
1000
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

G-AMG - 10/4/2010 4:07 PM

Boy G - 10/5/2010 7:41 AM

That is a great write up - thanks.

Mine leaks via the little seal where the splined steering shaft goes into the box (where the 4 x 17mm bolts are. Did I miss this step somewhere?


Sorry, yes, I botched that photo step. If you look at Image #20, I am removing the Circlip holding that Seal in. All you do is remove the Circlip/Seal, and replace the Seal/Circlip.

I believe that site is the most common site of leakage.


Mine is leaking out of the INPUT splined shaft ie the one seen in photo 26.

BTW great tools you have.
#178844 - in reply to #178331
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Posted 12/22/2017 3:01 AM
G63 AMG
Member


Date registered: Aug 2016
Location: Tunisia (North Africa)
Vehicle(s): 2015 G63 AMG [ German Model ]
Posts: 10

RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

G-AMG

I am getting conflicting opinions on what the reference for the 2015 G63 AMG Power Steering Fluid.
Is it MB 236.3 or 345.0 ?
If you can have a quick look on WIS for me that would be awesome.

Thanks again

Edited by G63 AMG 12/22/2017 3:34 AM
#237946 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 12/22/2017 11:39 AM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Looks like 'Regular', Cheap-O, 236.3

You might have access to some of the Spec fluids which 'We' can't get in USA:

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolistenmain.php?navigation_path=be...

Even IF you have to buy the M-B bottles stuff... it is only around 7 USD.
#237947 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 12/23/2017 4:23 AM
G63 AMG
Member


Date registered: Aug 2016
Location: Tunisia (North Africa)
Vehicle(s): 2015 G63 AMG [ German Model ]
Posts: 10

RE: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Thanks very much for your help Dutch, indeed the Liqui Moly 3100 is available over here.
As usual many thanks for clearing my doubts

Happy holidays !
#237948 - in reply to #177507
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Posted 7/7/2018 2:33 PM
460332

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Europe
Vehicle(s):
500
Re: Photo DIY: Steering Gear Box Gasket Rebuild

Big thanks, great writeup, nice tools!
#239537 - in reply to #177507
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