Checking the condition of suspension and steering components Mercedes-Benz W203

Tool:

• Jack
• Support legs
• Lamp
• torque wrench

Steering and suspension components should be checked regularly. Worn or damaged suspension and steering components can cause excessive and dangerous tire wear, poor ride and handling, and increased fuel consumption.

Checking shock absorber

1. Jack up the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.

2. Inspect the shock absorbers for signs of damage and gas leaks.

3. Check the reliability of the installation and the integrity of the racks. Check the upper strut mounts for damage and signs of wear. If any are found, replace the racks.

Checking the condition of the steering and suspension system

1. Examine components of system of a steering on presence of damages and deformations. Look for signs of fluid leakage, damaged gaskets, boot guards, and fittings.

2. Clear the bottom end of a rotary fist. Ask an assistant to grab the lower edge of the wheel and shake it, while you yourself observe the movement of the ball bearings connecting the steering knuckle to the lever. Inspect the protective covers of the ball joints for breaks. If you find play or torn or leaking protective boots, the ball joint(s) should be replaced.

3. Grab each of the front wheels by the front and rear edges and try to turn it front in and rear out to check for play in the steering gear. If play is found, check for loose steering gear and tie rod joints. If fasteners are loose, tighten them. If the tie rods are loose, then the cause may be worn hinges (first check the reliability of tightening the nuts).

Steering play check

1. Set the steering wheel to the middle position.

2. Move the steering wheel from side to side while watching the front wheels. The steering wheel can have a maximum play of 15mm.

3. If the steering wheel has more play, check the steering rods, the steering mechanism and the play of the front suspension bearings.

4. Strongly move the steering rods on the left and right by hand. The ball joint must not have play, otherwise replace the joints or tie rods.

5. Light the dust caps with a lamp and check for damage. At the same time, pay attention to traces of grease.

6. If there is damage to the cap, as a precautionary measure, replace the corresponding hinge with the cap. Penetrated dirt destroys the hinge.

Checking the tie rod ends, ball joints and steering gear covers 

1. Shine a lamp on the ball joint boots on the left and right and check for damage.

2. Light the tie rod boot on the left and right with a lamp and check for damage.

3. If the boots are damaged, for safety reasons, the corresponding joint with boot must be replaced. Pollution destroys the hinge.

4. Strongly move the steering rods with your hand in different directions. The hinge must not have any play. Otherwise, the tie rod end needs to be replaced.

5. Check up reliability of an inhaling of locknuts of tips of steering draughts and a nut of fastening of a hinge pin, without rotating it. The tightening torque is given in the Specifications.

6. Check up protective covers at the steering mechanism, if necessary replace with new ones.

7. Check the tightness of the outer and inner clamping rings.

The article is missing:

• High-quality repair photos

• Tool photo

Source:  http://auto-knigi.com/model/mb_c/3_16/