I am having handling issues on my 1991 300E. It does ok at lower speeds but when I get up to around 40-45mph the front end starts to feel loose. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like I am "driving on marbles." Following a vandalism, I just had the flex disc and bushings replaced about 1 mo. ago following a vandalism. I also just changed the front tires and had them balanced. That seemed to help but it is still not how it needs to be. There is also a squeaking in the front end whenever the steering wheel is turned or I drive over any unlevel ground, but this only comes and goes. I have had someone suggest that the tie rods need to be replaced but I don't want to sink in a ton of money replacing things as a process of elimination, especially since I am having to repair all sorts of things from the vandalism. Does anyone know what could be causing this or have any suggestions that might shoot me in the right direction? Any help is greatly appreciated!!

I have a 91 300E and it is solid as a rock and takes corners without blinking. Only thing is, I don't know what to tell you to check or fix since mine has not had steering or front end issues. But it should be very tight when all is good up front.

tlbaldwin, check the front sway bar brackets and the steering damper. If you don't perform your own repairs on this 1991 300E recommend taking it to a reputable indie and having the front suspension inspected carefully.

Describing the extent of the vandalism damage would make it easier to diagnose your problem.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

The squeak from the front might be and usually is the ball joints. If the ball-joint fails, the car drops and loses directional control, could cause a crash. Get it checked out is my suggestion.

As far as darting around, again check all front (and rear) suspension components for wear and/or play. Could be alignment, many shops offer a free inspection. Alignment usually only changes due to damage or a failiing component.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Certainly check the wear on your tires. If there is asymmetric wear (outside wears more than in for example) your tires could be "toed in" to suggest you need an alignment. Good start with having your tires balanced.
Could also be the rubber bushings and brackets in the steering apparatus.
Make sure they're situated firmly.
...stupid question but you've made sure your tires have appropriate PSI in them, right?

__________________
1987 300e W124 M103 My baby.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Turns out the tire tech was in such a hurry to get off work he didn't tighten the lug nuts down all the way on front driver's side tire. Got 3 full rotations on each one! Had to have it pulled on a flat bed several times to get it home and then to shop when the flex disc got damaged by the vandals knocking trans. into neutral, don't think that did the front end alignment any good. Planning on getting a front end alignment and then should be good to go! Kinda unrelated but have to get a new paint job now too. Anyone know what type of factory paint is used?

I believe glasurit is the paint spelling.

The wheel is probably shot on the back side where it has moved under load on the hub flange, I strongly suggest replacing it.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff