This is an old revision of the document!
Replacing 190E Steering Gearbox
This article is a reference for replacing the steering gearbox on a 190E and may be applicable to similar models. Remanufactured steering gearboxes may be purchased from C & M Hydraulics based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Time | 2 hours |
---|---|
Cost | |
Difficulty | |
Parts Required | Power steering fluid - 1 46 0001 Power steering filter - 000 466 2104 Steering coupler - 123 460 0210 Renew locking hex nuts for tie rod ends - N913002010010 |
Applicable models | All 190Es with left hand drive |
Special Tools
Balljoint separator - Used for removing the left tie rod and center drag link
Gear puller - Removing pitman arm from steering gearbox output shaft
Suction gun - Used to remove old power steering fluid
Snap ring plier - Remove snap ring from pitman arm shaft
Power Steering Fluid
Procedure
Preparation
- Lift front end of vehicle in the air
Siphon / Drain Old Fluid
- Remove power steering fluid reservoir cap
- Remove filter
- Filter is held in place by a 10mm nut under spring tension. Caution when removing this 10mm nut as it may spring out once unthreaded
- Pull old filter out with pliers
- Use a suction gun to remove old fluid.
- Rotate steering wheel left and right to pump more fluid back into the reservoir. Remove as much as possible.
Steering gearbox removal
- Center steering wheel and lock in place
- Remove power steering hoses
- Remove the hose closer to the engine via the 17mm nut
- Remove the hose farther away via hose clamp farther down the line
- You will be removing the steering gearbox with one hose left attached
- Looking up the steering shaft input, there should be a 6mm bolt visible for the steering coupler.
- A stubby 1/4“ 6mm hex bit may be required to remove this
- Remove drag link and driver side tie rod from pitman arm
- 17mm nuts must be renewed
- Remove driver side wheel to access 3x 15mm frame bolts inside the wheel well
- Pull steering gearbox out with pitman arm attached
- Remove pitman arm on the bench
- Use snap ring plier to remove snap ring
- Use gear puller if necessary
- Take note on where the pitman arm is mounted on the output shaft. This affects front toe settings.
Installation
- Install upper power steering hose with 19mm nut onto the replacement steering gearbox
- Install pitman arm (this can be deferred to after the gearbox has been mounted in the car for easier gearbox installation)
- Use centering mark to align and install
- Tighten down at the same depth as previously measured
- Install snap ring
- Install steering coupler to steering shaft
- Note the flat end on the steering shaft when installing the new coupler. This is where the bolt runs through
- Install steering gearbox to coupler, do not turn steering wheel to install bolt yet
- Install the 3 frame bolts in wheel well
- Tighten power steering hoses
- 17mm hose nut
- Hose clamp
- Install tie rod and drag link
- Use new self locking hex nuts
- Turn steering wheel and install other 6mm coupler bolt
- Install power steering filter in reservoir
- Fill power steering reservoir to capacity
- Steering may need to be fully rotated a few times for correct fill