Newbie Merc owner with a heavy, squeaky steering on my 1988 W124 260E
 

Greetings from Manila, Philippines!

I recently acquired a 1998 W124 260E. It's a nice car with great body and interiors. However it does have mechanical concerns.

The steering feels heavy and stiff and there is a loud squeaky sound somewhere under the car when i turn the wheels.

I read that you can adjust the steering box when the play on the steering wheel is big, but that doing so would also make the steering stiffer and heavier. I don't know if the previous owner made any such adjustment. The mechanic i spoke to said the play on the steering wheel was just right.

Could this be a problem with the steering box or any other part of the steering system? Ball joints, tie rod ends?

Your expert advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks and cheers!

It sounds to me like a ball joint has run out of lube. Since there are likely no grease fittings on yours, replacement is the normal fix. If you drive it long enough to get the squeak going good, you should be able to look under the motionless but running car while someone turns the steering back and forth, and hear which side it is coming from. feeling the ball joints while it squeaks should tell you whether it is the upper or lower, assuming your car has upper ball joints.

If you are DIY experienced, it is possible to determine if the ball joint is worn, and if it is not, grease can be injected through the rubber boot using a grease needle to give a good but dried out ball joint another lease on life.