What would account for steering having difficulty returning to straight position? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #46 11-10-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldan44

the way I see it is you have either a :

- steering box failure
- ball joint / suspension aged too much

I dont see an easy or inexpensive way to diagnose this from here - the springs have to be compressed and removed and the UCA needs to be released from the spindle. Then you could really feel the lower ball joint and see if it is seized, or loose or what have you.

At that juncture, you might as well replaced the lower ball joint and everything else around that looks worn, whether it is showing signs of wear or not.

I believe lower ball joints are 3 hours of time at the shop each.

Makes sense....with a 20 yr. old suspension, I just want to replace anything even questionable. I'm cheap, but there's just no sense in pushing suspension items to the outer limits of their useable life.

dagObx · #47 11-10-2011, 09:51 PM

FWIW, I got my car back from my indie & went on two 200+ mile round trips in the last two days. My steering problem vanished with the new ball joint. The car handles a lot better, too.

Indie said I will need to replace the other one soon. This one was $90 for the part & about 2 hours labor. He said there is a way to check the joints, but it involved getting the car on the lift & taking the pressure off the springs. He didn't go into any details, but he's been doing this for over 20 years & knows what he's doing.

I still have one of the rear bearings screaming at me, which needs to be replaced soon. Then I'll see about the other ball joint.

Good luck with your issue.

shertex · #48 11-14-2011, 10:10 AM

FINALLY, a definitive diagnosis: BALL JOINTS. Being replaced today.

Struts are weeping but not leaking. Will hold off on that for the time being.