My 380SL from 1984's steering wheel system is identically similar to the w123 steering system.

My steering wheel has recently developed a "crunching" sound. It sounds almost like the turn signal release is constantly clicking when turning the wheel(signals works fine). Every other component of the steering system has been renewed except the coupler and the steering gearbox.

My steering coupler has been making the classic "clunking" noise and this is something I plan on fixing in a few weeks.

Is this crunching indicative of another part that needs replacing? Are there any rubbery bits that live inside of the steering column telescope that I should investigate?

I appreciate any advice. Thank you!

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

Clock spring?


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1984 doesn't have a clock spring.

What it does have is a set of slip rings and carbon/copper brushes. I had a crunchy sound coming from my SDL's steering wheel and it turned out the problem was the screws holding the slip ring plate in place on the bottom of the wheel had come loose allowing the plate to chatter. Tightening the screws ended the problem.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Thanks Diseasel. Turned out to be a loose screw from the horn assembly in the steering wheel. Very easy to fix and with some locktit it will never happen again.

__________________
-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.