Steering - Tie Rods Modified

REF. NO. 33/12, 46/53

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: March, 1983

SUBJECT:
MODIFIED STEERING LINKAGE SERIES 126

Since March 1982, ball joints of different stiffness have been installed on the steering linkage of series 126 vehicles. Therefore, different tie rods are now applicable for the left and right-hand sides.

Production Phase-In

Model Chassis As of Chassis End No.

380 SEL 126.033 027820
380 SEC 126.043 001796
300 SD 126.120 024912

Repair Instructions

When installing the new tie rods, make sure that the tie rods of the pitman arm side and the idler arm side (see Parts Information) are not interchanged.

For easier identification, the tie rod for the idler arm side is now painted black; the tie rod for the pitman arm side remains grey-green.

The ball joint with the left-hand (LH) thread should be mounted on the left-hand side of each tie rod (as viewed in the driving direction) as before.

NOTE:
The new parts can also be installed on vehicles with lower chassis end numbers. However, previous version parts should be used up on these vehicles first.

Parts Information

LH Thread RH Thread

Part Name Part Number Ball Joint Ball Joint

Tie rod (pitman arm side) 126 330 03 03 000 338 20 10 000 338 19 10
Tie rod (idler arm side) 126 330 04 03 000 890 00 48 000 338 46 10
Drag link 126 460 06 05