W123 power steering

[c107]

My brother is bringing over his W123 tomorrow as he has been complaining that at full lock the steering is making groaning noises (more than cars normally make on full lock).

I first told him to check the fluid level in case the pump is sucking air, whcih he has - it was a bit low so he topped it up, but only a bit low.

I changed the idler arm bushing and one of the track rods for him about two years ago, so I guess these could have gone bad, but I'm thinking probably not.

My next things to check will be:

• The other track rod
• the steering shock
• the condition of the hoses in case they have perished and are allowing air to get in

Just a general look at the steering system when its up in the air.

We'll see tomorrow if it is any of these.

 

[c107]

So the sound was a belt squeal, and the problem is that the bolt that allows you to hold the pump in place to tension the belt is no longer doing that.

So the nut just spins, and doesn't tighten or loosen. This means we can't even remove the bolt to replace it. Not sure what the next steps should be, so interested in any suggestions. My assumption is that the threads have stripped.

 

[Helmet]

So the sound was a belt squeal, and the problem is that the bolt that allows you to hold the pump in place to tension the belt is no longer doing that.

So the nut just spins, and doesn't tighten or loosen. This means we can't even remove the bolt to replace it. Not sure what the next steps should be, so interested in any suggestions. My assumption is that the threads have stripped.

A couple or things you an do. Try putting outward pressure on the nut with a flat blade screw driver whilst undoing the bolt. Cut the nut off with a nut splitter. Or use a die grinder to grind the nut off.

 

[c107]

A couple or things you an do. Try putting outward pressure on the nut with a flat blade screw driver whilst undoing the bolt. Cut the nut off with a nut splitter. Or use a die grinder to grind the nut off.

Thanks, we'll give it a go. Is there anything special about this bolt (i.e should I get a mercedes one), or is just any old bolt I can take to the bolt store in brookvale and get one with the same size and thread?

 

[Helmet]

Thanks, we'll give it a go. Is there anything special about this bolt (i.e should I get a mercedes one), or is just any old bolt I can take to the bolt store in brookvale and get one with the same size and thread?

Does it have the star adjuster at the head end ? If not its just a bolt

 

[c107]

thanks. He'll bring the car back next weekend and we will attempt to sort this out.

 

[c107]

All sorted in the end. Cut off the nut and used a generic bolt for now. He will get the star bolt at some point.