Mercedes Benz

Steering - Steering Gear Replacement After A Collision SI M 32 04 05 Steering and Wheel Alignment November 2005 Technical Service SUBJECT Replacement of Steering Gear Due to Accident Damage MODEL R50 (Cooper) R52 (Cooper convertible and Cooper S convertible) R53 (Cooper S) SITUATION Impacts due to accidents or similar driving conditions can cause damage to steering gears. It may be extremely difficult to diagnose internal damage to steering gears which otherwise appear undamaged externally. A thorough internal check of steering gears is generally not economically feasible. However, damage to other related components can be taken into consideration when deciding whether a steering gear must be replaced. INFORMATION The steering gear does NOT have to be replaced if: ^ There is no visible damage to front axle parts such as spring struts, wheel hubs or carriers, control arms or wishbones, tie rods, front axle sub frame, steering column, steering pump, steering fan, steering gear mounts, an...