Creaking sound when turning
 

83 240D


Just started happening not that long ago. There is an audible creaking noise that can be heard when the steering wheel is turned. Seems to only happen when the car is cold or when it hasn't been driven in a long time. Once the car warms up, the noise generally goes away.
Sounds vaguely familiar to noises I've heard when the power steering fluid was low in another car. I know this is stupid but how do I check the level in mine? Couldn't find any reservoir.

Your resevoir should be on the top right as you're looking at the engine. It should have a wing nut on the top securing the cap. Remove the wingnut and cap to check the level. There is also a filter in there submerged in the fluid.

If you need to change it, suck all the old fluid out using a turkey baster or a cheap hand pump you can get at any autoparts store and add new fluid.

Scott

Steering fluid/filter replacement
 

There's a tutorial for it at dieselgiant.com:

http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedespowersteeringfluidservice.htm

Alternatively, it might be that the power steering belt is slipping under load. Check if the belt is slack.

Staring me right in the face! Doh

Thanks will give a look tomorrow.

A creaking noise may be ball joint connected. Inspect for tears in the boots. Spray lube of some sort, see if it goes away.

Checked PS fluid level, it was low. Fluid change at the proper level fixed the noise :)

Had this exact issue - torn tie rod boots... rusty inside... creaked when turning. Temp fix by oiling balls.... now all are replaced:)

dwoloz, good to hear you had a simple fix. tobybul, I'm gonna have to do the entire front end of the SD. Torn boots all around, so far no noise. Occasional creak from CD.

It's nice when it's that easy to repair.. I had that exact thing happen to me, and ended up having to replace the input shaft seal on the PS pump.

At least the MB's are nice and audible about letting you know when the fluid is low. I'd rather hear it moaning, than have to replace a pump. Has anyone else looked at the price of even a rebuilt? Ouch...

Took me a while to figure out what was causing the problem. I thought at first the the steering column was binding or needed lubrication. You wouldn't believe what all I sprayed with WD40:D

I found its cheaper to get the tie rod assembly than individual tie rods if you are gonna get 2 for each side... also, on the connecting rod/sleeve of the tie rods, do not overtighten the bolt that pushes/compresses the sleeve. Too much force breaks the sleeve compresser ring. I had to reuse one from the old assembly.

I replaced a UCA and complete tie rod on a 123, one side only. Very much worth your while to replace entirely.

Doesn't that get the seat greasy? Curious as to how the replacement went.

Well DAMNIT, its back

I don't appear to be leaking any power steering fluid as the level is still topped off but now the sound has returned.

Going to first pick up a filter from the MB dealer and do a power steering fluid flush. If that doesn't work, time to get on my back again :-\

Is it a creaking or a moaning type noise? You said creaking, but PS pumps moan when they get low, creaking to me would be more under the car somewhere. My 80 does it all the time, sometimes I notice it going down the road, but sitting still, its a creaking popping noise, coming from passenger front, you can actually feel the floor popping too when it does it, I figure its either 27 year old bushings somewhere or one of those rusty underbody seams.:rolleyes: The steering linkage doesn't have any slop in the joints or torn boots. It's kinda fun to slowly turn the wheel sitting still and get that confused half frightened look from whoever is riding shotgun.:D

I had identical symptoms and apart from a whole bunch of worn suspension bushings and a tie rod replacement, it also turned out that the body was cracked where one of the suspension components mounted onto it.

Had that welded as part of the job and my 300sd ended up with a virtually new front end. Laser 4 wheel alignment .....Drives like a new car as a result......