Power steering noise in 2002 ML320
 

Hello all, I have frequently been helped by the collective knowledge here and now have a problem...when I turn the wheel, in both directions, I get a whirl, i think it sounds like rubber squeling but not sure; at times, i feel a slight tension in the wheel with turning; happens in both r/l directions, seems to be worse with turning back to center; seems to get worse with car warmed up but not progressively louder with driving/speed, and it is present at a stop with turning the wheel...I took it to a mb shop and they replaced the fluid, replaced the reservoir...and after $345 (and replacing other stuff--about 170 for the p/s stuff), it does the EXACT same thing. What should I do at this point? The mb dealer here in nashville is horrible, I am a bit pissed that the mb shop did not drive the car after to assess the p/s and figure out that they did not fix the problem. In reading the posts, I suspect that it might be either the inner tie rod, or insufficient lubrication at the radial shaft sealing ring in the control head--atleast those problems sound like mine. Any thoughts on how much I should expect to pay.

It is an indep shop, Stuttgart South in Nashville. I am taking it back this week for them to look at. What should I say to the fact that they charged me for a service that I clearly did not need? Should I expect them to only charge me for parts? My 2002 ml320 is now off warranty and I cannot stand the service at MB of Nashville.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Can't say what it might be without really hearing the noise but verify belt tension and make sure the system is free from air by bleeding (cavitation).

DL