M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Steering rack question

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Old Mar 19, 2020 | 08:17 PM
  #26  
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Took the seal out. Got very disappointed, the seal kit i got does not fit. New seal is much bigger and thicker. i will attach few pics.
Could please someone help whit guading me where i can get the right seal. Its KACO DGS 20*30*5/6 VF01 ZF0770080366 Thank you.

The one on the left came with the kit and its not what i need

On this picture new one that doesnt fit is on the right side

On this picture new one on the left and the one from the car is on the right, its a big difference in size.
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Old Mar 20, 2020 | 03:00 AM
  #27  
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That seal might only be available to re-builders alone. Why don't you call them and see if they can sort it out.
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Old Mar 23, 2020 | 04:22 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
That seal might only be available to re-builders alone. Why don't you call them and see if they can sort it out.
Found 3 different seals on Ebay they all came and look pretty good. Plus waiting on the whole kit from Lithuania will come in few days as well. Will post pics later.
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Old Mar 24, 2020 | 07:29 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by IgorE350
Found 3 different seals on Ebay they all came and look pretty good. Plus waiting on the whole kit from Lithuania will come in few days as well. Will post pics later.

What is the ebay link?
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Old Mar 24, 2020 | 02:50 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
What is the ebay link?
This one is the ones that coming from overseas
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Steer...53.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Steer...53.m2749.l2649

These 3 found here on Ebay in the US
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Power...53.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Vintage...53.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metric-Oil-...53.m2749.l2649
The first Blue one looks really good but its a little thicker in size, don't know yet decide witch one i am going to use. any advice on that?
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Old Mar 25, 2020 | 05:03 AM
  #31  
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No. You will just have to get lucky.
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Old Apr 1, 2020 | 09:59 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
No. You will just have to get lucky.
Mr Dundee, i really need your help. Got the kit replaced it everything went good, installed steering rack back in to the car, come to find out i still get a drip
Did more and more looking where the drip coming from and i found it, will attach picture. Could you please tell me what that is and how can i take it out and fix it. looks like its threaded inside and snap-ring on top of it.
I guess i have to take rack back out. Please help, thanks

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Old Apr 2, 2020 | 09:10 AM
  #33  
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Was something attached to that hole?
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Old Apr 2, 2020 | 09:20 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Was something attached to that hole?
NO, nothing was attached to that. Took the rack back out today and figured it out. Snap-ring come out and then i screw in a bolt and pull it out, 2 O-rings needed to be replaced.



All done installed it back no leaks. Only problem i have is when i installed the U-joint coupling back steering shaft doesnt reach, looks like it needs to go about an inch down. How do i do that? Thanks

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Old Apr 3, 2020 | 10:18 AM
  #35  
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Before you separated the steering shaft from the rack, did you tie down the steering wheel so it cannot move?

Manually pull the steering shaft down or insert a screwdriver into the hole and tap it down with a light hammer..
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
R&I Rack & Pinion #1.pdf (79.9 KB, 350 views)
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Old Apr 3, 2020 | 07:49 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Before you separated the steering shaft from the rack, did you tie down the steering wheel so it cannot move?

Manually pull the steering shaft down or insert a screwdriver into the hole and tap it down with a light hammer..
Yes steering wheel is locked, i see i did everything right but the shims 23H and 23I i thought the're the same. i would have to re-check that. How can i tell the difference between the 2 shims?
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Old Apr 3, 2020 | 08:33 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by IgorE350
Yes steering wheel is locked, i see i did everything right but the shims 23H and 23I i thought the're the same. i would have to re-check that. How can i tell the difference between the 2 shims?



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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 10:43 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Thank you so much for the info, my thicker spacer was on top. Had to switch it, your help is really appreciated! All back together my 55 is leak free
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 04:13 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by IgorE350
NO, nothing was attached to that. Took the rack back out today and figured it out. Snap-ring come out and then i screw in a bolt and pull it out, 2 O-rings needed to be replaced.



All done installed it back no leaks. Only problem i have is when i installed the U-joint coupling back steering shaft doesnt reach, looks like it needs to go about an inch down. How do i do that? Thanks

Please post the link for the O-rings including the part #.
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 09:05 PM
  #40  
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To be honest with you O-rigs dint come with the repair kit. I have bunch of O-ring sets that i just matched to the original ones and they worked fine. Green ones on picture were little too tight i replaced it with smaller black ones and they went in smooth. Got to work with what you got
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Old Apr 10, 2020 | 05:08 AM
  #41  
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Got it.
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Old Oct 16, 2020 | 10:05 AM
  #42  
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Are these shims on all models of w163 or just those with speed sensitive steering also do you have part number for these shims you help is greatly appreciated and I would like to thank you in advance. Hope you have a great weekend
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Old Oct 16, 2020 | 10:18 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee

Are these shims on all models of w163 or just those with speed sensitive steering also do you have part number for these shims you help is greatly appreciated and I would like to thank you in advance. Hope you have a great weekend

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Old Oct 16, 2020 | 10:35 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by ChrisVannoy
Are these shims on all models of w163 or just those with speed sensitive steering also do you have part number for these shims you help is greatly appreciated and I would like to thank you in advance. Hope you have a great weekend
All of W163 racks have the shims. M/B does not show a part # for the shims.
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Old Dec 17, 2021 | 09:49 PM
  #45  
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I must say that this thread was VERY helpful to me, as I am now going through the exact same issues as the OP. I got lucky and was able to find a "seal kit" from my local rebuilder. The actual ZF "Service Manual" was also very helpful! (attached)



Attached Files
File Type: pdf
x300 zf with servo.pdf (1.07 MB, 339 views)

Last edited by johnathan1; Dec 17, 2021 at 09:58 PM.
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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 10:26 AM
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UPDATE: I was actually able to finally locate what seems to be the CORRECT ML55 AMG steering rack seal kit! I got it on eBay, after many emails back and forth between me, and eBay sellers, ZF Group, and DPH Germany. The kit is Made by "Kotek" and is Part # SK-8629. I am 100% sure that it is NOT the same as the non-parameter steering rack from lesser ML models. Hope it helps someone. Photo:


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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by johnathan1
UPDATE: I was actually able to finally locate what seems to be the CORRECT ML55 AMG steering rack seal kit! I got it on eBay, after many emails back and forth between me, and eBay sellers, ZF Group, and DPH Germany. The kit is Made by "Kotek" and is Part # SK-8629. I am 100% sure that it is NOT the same as the non-parameter steering rack from lesser ML models. Hope it helps someone. Photo:


thank you for sharing!!! Happy new year!! May it be filled with infinite blessings for you
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