Checking the condition of the steering rod ends and rack and pinion housing boots
1g - Corrugated boot; 1h - Clamp; 1i - Clamp; 10 - Steering rod; 10i - Locknut; 10l - Tie rod end
1. The corresponding illustrative material is presented in the accompanying illustration, to which all references in the text refer.
2. To visually check the dust boots (1g) of the steering gear, jack up the front of the car and place it on supports - to stretch the corrugated dust boots, ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. If cracks, cuts or other mechanical damage are detected, replace the failed dust boot.
Caution! Manually stretching and squeezing the anthers carries the risk of damaging them!
3. By vigorously swinging the rods (10), make sure there is no play in their joints. If necessary, replace the rods (see Section Removal and installation tie rod ends).
(Publication taken from an online resource: MercedesMan)