SL/R107: 380SL steering? what should I expect?
04-13-2014, 01:57 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1982 380SL
380SL steering? what should I expect?
Hi all. First post here.
The Mrs. recently picked up a beautiful 1982 380 SL.
I've driven VW GTIs for years, in great part because I love the taught, crisp handling: some of the best you can get in a FWD car.
The wife's 380, by contrast, seems to regard steering input as, at best, a suggestion, which it might take up, someday.
What I'm after is what I should expect of the 107 chassis.
I realize:
- this is an 1982 car, and while new cars have improved, this example has aged (bushings, etc. - though it's clearly been cared for lovingly)
- the big-dish wheel in the Merc is going to make steering feel a little more distant.
- convertibles in general aren't very rigid, and should be expected to have more slop than cars with a full cage.
I've no experience with "recirculating ball" steering, and don't know if this 380 has gotten the subframe mod that was a recall on the rest of the 107 chassis. Tires are good, haven't yet looked at tie rod ends.
Still, the imprecision in the steering is something I'd associate with 1970s Buicks and Caddys, not with this storied marque. A big hole in the middle.
Any thoughts appreciated. TIA
jddj
The Mrs. recently picked up a beautiful 1982 380 SL.
I've driven VW GTIs for years, in great part because I love the taught, crisp handling: some of the best you can get in a FWD car.
The wife's 380, by contrast, seems to regard steering input as, at best, a suggestion, which it might take up, someday.
What I'm after is what I should expect of the 107 chassis.
I realize:
- this is an 1982 car, and while new cars have improved, this example has aged (bushings, etc. - though it's clearly been cared for lovingly)
- the big-dish wheel in the Merc is going to make steering feel a little more distant.
- convertibles in general aren't very rigid, and should be expected to have more slop than cars with a full cage.
I've no experience with "recirculating ball" steering, and don't know if this 380 has gotten the subframe mod that was a recall on the rest of the 107 chassis. Tires are good, haven't yet looked at tie rod ends.
Still, the imprecision in the steering is something I'd associate with 1970s Buicks and Caddys, not with this storied marque. A big hole in the middle.
Any thoughts appreciated. TIA
jddj
05-01-2014, 05:37 AM
#2
Junior Member
Steering isn't like my Spitfire but I adjusted the tightness on the steering box and it made a world of difference. There is a coupling to check and there are lots of posts here what to look for. The box adjustment was not difficult with a couple of you-might-not have tools but only cost a few bucks
