Hey there folks.

I've been at this for a while and am still trying to figure out just why my 1999 W210 E300 TurboDiesel has such a loose/vague tracking feel when driving down the road. It is as if the wheels want to follow every slight dip and depression in the road's surface.

Admittedly, our roads out here in the SoCal high desert can be considered garbage as far as upkeep sometimes. But, my car just seems overly vague in the way that it tracks down the road.

Since I had originally perceived this as a suspension problem, I rebuilt just about everything underneath:

Shocks, spring caps, LCA bushings (KMAC), Rear links and bushings, rear subframe bushings, etc. The only thing that I did not replace were the front upper control arms, but they appeared rather tight and in good condition.

Recently my mechanic stated that the bearings were in need of replacement, and with 220k miles on the clock I would tend to believe it. However, the last time I went to him, he said not to worry unless they are grumbling. I'm just not sure that the W210 bearings fail in that way. Does anyone have experience with this?

The other issue is that I am occasionally getting some occasional/slight groaning and inconsistent pressure feedback (feel to the wheel) from the power steering. I had started a fluid flush (due to the uneven pressure), but quickly figured out that I had been initially given the wrong fluid. I obtained the correct fluid and proceeded to use the old turkey baster drain/fill method of fluid exchange. However, I am hearing the groan a bit more as of late and I believe it's nearing time for a new pump. Unfortunately, the E300 Diesels do not use a pump where the $30 reservoir can be replaced. You must buy the whole pump and replace.

Another weird sensation was noticed on the way home last evening. Every time I would hit a dip in the road, I could feel a very slight pressure on the steering to the left. When the weight of the car was lifted from the suspension as we would crest a rise, I could feel slack and then a very slight pressure to the right. Any clues or recommendations?

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2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium (Sparky)
http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/193500.png

It's a car not a science experiment! Open the throttle!

The right front wheel bearing on my E300 went out around 290-300k.

Sudden low speed failure. Clunk to the right at 20 mph, merge 3 lanes/50yards and the steering knuckle/spindle was already fried.

The left went out also. Saved the spindle that time.

Your "rack" could also be the steering problem. They don't last forever and these cars are getting old now.

Here in NorCal they've ground most concrete highway surfaces using a machine with spinning ginding keys. Creates continious grooves ~1/4-1/2" apart. Wouldnt be bad if the guy driving the grinder could maintain a straight line. No such luck, seems CalTrans only awards lower bidders with worn out equpiment that cant track more than 5 feet without wandering off course. Car grabs every groove and is all over the place.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Thanks Terry,

Did the bearings give any warning whatsoever?

I think that my PS pump might be cavitating just a wee bit and thus not holding adequate pressure on the rack. It is a bit noisy and will be replaced in the next couple of months.

It's a bit reassuring that mine is not the only car that follows every dip, crack, corrugation and crayon mark on the road. I know that the steering and suspension is "active" and requires a bit of control, but it seems a bit excessive at times.

I think I will take rotocraft flying lessons after a few more years of trying to keep the W210 tracking straight down the road.

__________________
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium (Sparky)
http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/193500.png

It's a car not a science experiment! Open the throttle!

~$60 each side I'd just replace them at some point. They won't last forever.

MAKE certain they are adusted using a dial indicator gauge to spec. They seem to be touchy to being "right" and not done by feel like we've always done on US iron.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Hi

I'm new to this forum, and i've had similar problem with my -00 270cdi. Feels like something is really loose in front end, car becomes steadier after about 55mph and higher, but on slower speeds it feels like bearing or tire is very loose.

Everything in front have been replaced, everything but right upper control arm. And i really mean everything, bearings have been changed 5 times in 12 months, last time mb-mechanic did this job, front brakes twice.. Main problem is that not even mb-mechanics can't find cause for this. Tried five sets of rims, four sets of tires, and I can rule out tire-based cause. 4-wheel alignment have been done 3 times, and although all parts are new in front, except steering rack which was from used car, nothing really seems to help or even make any real difference. Also there are really annoying vibration on steering wheel, speed not rev related. Don't know are these related, probably main reason for vibrations comes from driveshaft, but i think that it isn't possible for drivetrain to affect steering, at least not that badly.