Vibration on RIGHT turn only - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

herring · #1 05-03-2010, 02:05 PM

My car has about 320,000 miles, I've only put on the last 10,000 or so over the past 2 years.
I have always heard a slight "clunk" out of the front right corner when going over uneven bumps (for example, when making a right turn into a parking lot). I figured some suspension part was a bit worn.
Just last week, I began to notice a vibration in the steering wheel when making a hard right turn. I get the sense it's related to the clunk I've always heard. Can anyone tell me what likely needs to be replaced? The right tie rod was replaced right after I bought it.

smiffy6four · #2 05-03-2010, 02:14 PM

Most likely culprit is a wheel bearing........jack 'er up and spin the wheel, listen for and noises.

herring · #3 05-03-2010, 03:07 PM

I will give that a try. The bearing also occurred to me. I mentioned it to someone I know and he said a bearing would probably make noise all the time, not just when making a turn.
But I will try pushing and pulling on the wheel and see if I can get it to clunk.

Is Beck-Arnley a good brand for wheel bearings? What parts do I need, I see "inner" and "outer" bearings, and a seal. I'd order the inner and outer bearings, I assume I need a seal, too? Anything else?

vstech · #4 05-03-2010, 03:43 PM

on any right turns or only when slowing down? noise is in front, and you feel it in the wheel? a outer wheel bearing could clunk on turns, also your brakes could be dragging.
there is also the guide rod bushings.

herring · #5 05-03-2010, 04:59 PM

Any right turn, even if I'm accelerating into it.

smiffy6four · #6 05-03-2010, 05:42 PM

Wheel bearings are under the greatest load when cornering; a wheel bearing that isn't too bad will first make noise only while turning, then, as it gets worse, it will make noise all the time.

As I mentioned earlier, jack it up and give it a spin. Then repeat with the other front wheel for comparison. A wheel bearing may clunk simply through being out of adjustment.

herring · #7 05-03-2010, 07:23 PM

Hmm, not what I expected. No clunking at all from either front wheel despite several hard push/pulls perpendicular to the direction of rotation. I did notice that neither wheel seems to turn very freely. There is definitely a sound of friction, and resistance. A decent spin only makes about 1-2 rotations before the wheel comes to a stop. And oddly, this is *both* front wheels. The friction isn't a rough, grinding noise, it's just a smooth, dry sound. No vibration as I spin the wheels in my hand, just a bit of resistance.
I've recently made 4 50-mile trips on the interstate (i.e. 65 mph) in this car and would have thought that if the brakes were hanging up the rotors should be well-warped by now. But they're perfectly smooth (by pedal feel, not visual examination).

vstech · #8 05-03-2010, 11:02 PM

to test bearings, you will need to remove the wheels, pry the brake pads away from the rotor, and then spin, you may even need to remove the calipers to test.
one thing you can do is, grab the tire at 12 and 6 oclock, and pry feeling for play. you should not be able to feel any. if you feel ANY play, you have too much, and you should pull the calipers, and the hub dust cover, and adjust the center nut to .0005ish with a dial indicator... wouldn't hurt to inspect the bearings and grease, and see if replacement is needed.

layback40 · #9 05-03-2010, 11:30 PM

It may be worth swapping your back & front wheels just to make sure it isnt tire/wheel related.
Often an out of round or balance tire will show as a vibration on cornering. Under cornering the sideways load on the upper control arm bushes is reduced on one side, if they are on their way out, one can get a vibration from any tire or wheel imbalance or out of round.

dmenefee · #10 05-04-2010, 12:29 AM

The clunk going over bumps as in entering a parking lot is from a worn ball joint. The vibration most likely developed as the ball joint is now severely worn.
Wheel bearings do not usually "clunk". They whir, they click, they "wow-wow", and they grind.

herring · #11 05-04-2010, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmenefee

The clunk going over bumps as in entering a parking lot is from a worn ball joint. The vibration most likely developed as the ball joint is now severely worn.
Wheel bearings do not usually "clunk". They whir, they click, they "wow-wow", and they grind.

That makes sense to me.
Is it safe to keep driving this thing until I get it replaced (a few weeks tops)?

layback40 · #12 05-04-2010, 06:22 AM

Welcome to the forum dmenefee, I am sure we all look forward to your inputs. Could you please put some info about yourself in your signature & a location.

herring, no one is going to be that bold as to if your front end is safe based on a few comments on here. If my car was clunking when turning the wheel & vibrating on corners, I would have a close look at the front end quick. Based on that inspection, a decision on what needs to be done and how soon could be made. If you are going to have a mechanic do the work for you, best let him have a look, & give you a quote. He will probably give you an indication, based on the inspection, of how urgent the repairs are. I would never base a decision on the safety of a car on the basis of what I was told over the internet.

JimFreeh · #13 05-04-2010, 06:28 AM

Years ago, I had a vibration when turning right on my 87 300TD.

Turned out to be the engine mount.

Jim

fruitcakesa · #14 05-04-2010, 07:26 AM

I just got my left front wheel bearing replaced.
It was grinding loudly when straight running and actually lessened slightly when turning the wheels.
The races came out in pieces! Luckily no spindle damage but it was a close thing.
I would look at it before driving much further.

herring · #15 05-04-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

herring, no one is going to be that bold as to if your front end is safe based on a few comments on here.

Good point, I shouldn't really have asked that.