What is this I'm feeling thru the steering wheel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

page62 · #1 01-16-2006, 01:26 PM

My '79 450SL runs great, but I can feel impending doom through the steering wheel! I don't hear a noise, I just feel it. It's a high-frequency vibration -- it only occurs above 2000 rpm or so. And it's not constant, sometimes it goes away. Everything works fine. Perhaps I can feel it a bit more when I turn the wheel a bit while driving, but that could be my imagination. In any case, it's not too strong but I can definitely feel it.

I do know the power steering pump is caked with old, dried fluid. (I've only had this car a short while.) So my primary suspect is the PS pump.

But could it be something else? Water pump, timing chain tensioner, alternator...?

Your ideas, please!

t walgamuth · #2 01-16-2006, 06:43 PM

but from your description it is impossible to tell. have you tried to determine if it follows engine speed or car speed?

tom w

page62 · #3 01-16-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

but from your description it is impossible to tell. have you tried to determine if it follows engine speed or car speed?

New Michelin tires. It follows engine RPM. I pulled the PS filter (filthy junk) -- that didn't help.

The problem is I can't describe it very well due to its enigmatic nature!!! The closest I can come up with is that noise or feeling you get from an old car when you try to turn the steering wheel quickly in a parking maneuver -- like the PS pump is cavitating.

ejsharp · #4 01-16-2006, 11:28 PM

Maybe the tensioner on the serpantine belt os lose or needs adjustment.

haasman · #5 01-17-2006, 03:20 AM

If you suspect the PS unit, on your car I beleive you can disconnect the PS pump belt.

Then again, if the filter is bad, flush the whole system. Can't hurt and it very well may be the previous owner is running the wrong fluid in it...... and be sure and replace the filter.

Haasman