Mercedes: 450sl steering, derek jarman, allen wrench

Question
is there an easy way to adjust steering box on 79 450sl without removing from vehicle ? any input will help - thanks

derek jarman
smd automotive
whistler bc

Answer
Yes.
Please consider my answer with care, this is a safety system = litigation.
The question is how effective it will be.
This should only be done after all steering and suspension components and bushings are found to be perfect.
One inch of slop in the steering wheel is ok and normal, do not over tighten steering gearbox as it will destroy it in days.
Loosen the 22mm nut on top of the steering gearbox that has a threaded rod coming through it.
The threaded rod has a 6mm hex Allen wrench recess in the center.
Hold the nut with a wrench, back the Allen shaft out (counter clockwise) 0.5 turn, test drive, repeat as needed.
A normal adjustment = 0.5 too 1.5 turns.
Warning, over adjusting will destroy the steering gearbox and require instant replacement.
If I recall the 1979 450SL correctly, the adjustment access is not easy.