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  #1  
Old 02-08-2009, 04:50 PM
imagesinthewind's Avatar
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Clunk sound when turning steering wheel

Hi,

Lately there is a low clunking sound when I go over low or deep bumps.
Not when I hit speed bumps but if I hit a pot hole.

It's not loud and scary, but low and in the left front wheel area.
The sound travels up to the steering wheel too, so I hear AND feel
the clunk.
When sitting in the drive, I can recreate the sound and feel by slightly
turning the wheel to the right. Doesn't take much movement to get
the sound.

Steering box? Tie Rod end?

Something else?

Thanks!

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  #2  
Old 02-08-2009, 05:11 PM
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its the bearing inside the steering box. Its nothing to worry about, its just getting old.
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  #3  
Old 02-08-2009, 05:14 PM
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Carefully inspect the suspension, no need to replace the steering box only to find out that's not the problem. There is a damper there also.
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  #4  
Old 02-08-2009, 05:22 PM
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I had a bad tie rod end produce the same symptoms in my 77 123. The problem was readily visible when I jacked it up and moved things around.
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  #5  
Old 02-09-2009, 05:55 AM
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Sometimes worn shocks will make noise.
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  #6  
Old 02-09-2009, 05:57 AM
ForcedInduction
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Check your engine mounts. My wagon would to clunk when turning left and going over bumps. Turns out the left mount arm had no bolt holding it to the mount!
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  #7  
Old 02-09-2009, 06:53 AM
Admiral-Third World Fleet
 
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Location: Central FL
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The steering coupler on the W116 frequently loses its rubber bushings. Check for it just between the column and the steering box , below the brake booster. If you grab and twist it, you may find some slop in it. I rebuilt the one I had on my W116.

Rick
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  #8  
Old 02-12-2009, 04:35 PM
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I just had the mounts fixed, so I doubt it's that.
The sound only happens when going over potholes (down) and
never on speedbumps (up).
Does that help diagnose?
The sound is getting louder. . .

What does the tie rod or tie rod end look like?
Thanks!
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  #9  
Old 02-12-2009, 05:23 PM
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I agree with post #3. It's way too critical to guess at the source of the problem. Jack up the front end, get under there and do a complete inspection of all the tie-rod ends, ball joints, suspension arm pivot bushings, and brake-reaction rod mounts (I forget what Mercedes calls them). It doesn't take all that long and then you'll know what's good and what's bad.

If you do a Google search I'm sure you'll find lots of photos/diagrams of what each component looks like.

You'll need a kid assistant to pivot each wheel back and forth in both planes (9 o'clock-3 o'clock, then 12 o'clock-6 o'clock) while you lie under the car with a flashlight watching for movement at each joint.

Also don't overlook dumb stuff like loose lug nuts, loose wheel bearings, etc.
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  #10  
Old 02-12-2009, 07:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flounder View Post
while you lie under the car
Yeah, like THAT'S going to happen!

LOL!
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  #11  
Old 02-12-2009, 08:07 PM
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You really only have to lie under the front bumper to see everything. At most only 1/2 of you would be crushed if your jackstands fail.

Actually I don't blame you. Before I get under a car I put every jackstand in the house under there, like 8 of them.

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