300E issues! plz help me!!!
 

Hey guys,

Today (night)

I just wanted to get all of the help I can... 1989 300E W124 with 187,000 miles

Issue #1:
When ever I turn the steering wheel, I heard this groaning sound.... not normal! What could it be?

Issue #2: Today I was taking a U-turn at a higher speed (20mph) and during the sharp turn, I heard this rather loud squeeking sound... What could it be?

Issue #3: When ever I switch gears, I hear this fast but loud metal to metal deep thunk sound, same happens when the automatic trans down shifts, no sound present when upshifting... What could it be? (Flex discs?)

Issue #4: My gear knob is rattling alot... I hear this is caused by the shifter bushings wearing out? Which parts do I get and how many of them?

Issue #5: Is the gear selector area supposed to be lighted at the PRND32 gear indicators? The panel is dark... if it is lighted.... where is the bulb located?

Issue #6: I solved my cold start issues by replacing my OVP, before my car would idle at 500 or less RPM when cold, now it idles at 900 in P and 750 when in D when cold. But when the engine is warm, it still idles at 500 to 600 RPM... is this too low? Could this be the coolant temp sensor?

Issue #7: My car still surges a bit when cold, I replace the hose from the idle control valve to the fuel distributor area, how in the world do I replace the other hose??? It seems that I would have to remove the fuel distributor and valve cover!

Issue #8: the drivers door, interior panel seems a bit loose around the handle/armrest, area, how can I tighten it up? where exactly do I pry at and open stuff up at to get to inside screws? while it is open, what should of preventive maintainence should be done?

Issue #9: I want to clean my Mass Air Flow Meter, where is it located and how do I clean it... I also want to clean my throttle body... Where is it located and how do I clean it?


Please respond to at least 1 issue if you got the advice or solution!
THANKS!

Issue #1:
When ever I turn the steering wheel, I heard this groaning sound.... not normal! What could it be?
Issue #2: Today I was taking a U-turn at a higher speed (20mph) and during the sharp turn, I heard this rather loud squeeking sound... What could it be?

BALL JOINTS?

Issue #5: Is the gear selector area supposed to be lighted at the PRND32 gear indicators? The panel is dark... if it is lighted.... where is the bulb located?

You can do a search on this, but it's suppose to be a light bulb under the shifter panel.

Issue # 1

Before you check the ball joints, take a look at your power steering fluid level. Low fluid can also cause noise, starts in one direction only on full lock.

If it is low, next job is to find out where it is leaking from

Issues 1 & 2 are ball joints. They are corroded and need to be replaced. $23.00 each at Fast Lane.

I only need 2 of them right?

Thanks!

You asked about shifter bushings...

You should replace both of them-they are cheap. I remove the bracket on the transmission, use a socket/vice and press the new bushing in place. One on the end of the shifter, most DIY ppl seem to have difficulty. Doing it with the car on a lift, I call it a finess.

Yes, I'd definately inspect the flex discs and motor mounts. If they haven't been replaced, they are bad. Rear flex disc seems to last about 2X as long as the front-but I ussually replace both at the same time. Ie my time is worth more than going back in a few years.

With that mileage- I'd check the all the rear suspension too. Some of those links -bushings-joint could easily need replacement. I'd also check the muffler mounts while I had it on jack stands.

Good time to do a transmission service as well.

Michael