Honestly I’m kind of skeptical that it’s even in need of repair, but Mercedes failed me on my inspection citing a leaking steering rack. They want $1500 to replace it. Replacement parts would be $475 shipped for a refurb from Rock Auto, and I have access to a lift but not to any special Mercedes tools.
The shop manual I read seems to make it seem like a straightforward job except it says something about a “suitable puller” for the track rod ball joint. I don’t know what that means but I’m wondering whether it’s a specialized tool I’d need to buy or just something I can do with common shop tools.
I have access to a shop with a lift but not much in the way of special tools. I’ve got a basic mechanic tool set that I carry with me in the van, and the shop where I’ll be working services larger trucks and may have some other tools I can borrow but there won’t be an expert mechanic on hand as this is an after hours favor.
The two things I need to figure out quickly are, can I do this job myself (with one helper), and if I need special tools, are they cheap to buy? Otherwise I’ve got to just pony up and pay Mercedes to do it.
On the other hand should I just see if someone else will inspect it that won’t fail it for this minor leak?
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The shop manual I read seems to make it seem like a straightforward job except it says something about a “suitable puller” for the track rod ball joint. I don’t know what that means but I’m wondering whether it’s a specialized tool I’d need to buy or just something I can do with common shop tools.
I have access to a shop with a lift but not much in the way of special tools. I’ve got a basic mechanic tool set that I carry with me in the van, and the shop where I’ll be working services larger trucks and may have some other tools I can borrow but there won’t be an expert mechanic on hand as this is an after hours favor.
The two things I need to figure out quickly are, can I do this job myself (with one helper), and if I need special tools, are they cheap to buy? Otherwise I’ve got to just pony up and pay Mercedes to do it.
On the other hand should I just see if someone else will inspect it that won’t fail it for this minor leak?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
vic