W124 Steering too much heavy
 

My 1994 W124 E 220 got the problem on the steering system.

The steering is too much heavy and slowly return back to the center when turning left or right.

What I've done are here :
- I've changed the power fluid and replaced the filter.
- I've overhauled the steering box.
- I've changed all drag links, joints, everything about steering system.
- I've done correctly on wheel alignment.

But there still too much weight on the steering. Then, I went back to my technician and he had a new adjustment on the steering box but the problem still remains... :(

Now I'm very tired every time I drive this car.

What to do next, please ? please help me.

Thank you

Lots of things spring to mind - but the first thing I'll ask is =>

Is the pump pumping?

No mention of replacing the lower control arms. They contain the lower ball joints that the spindles pivot on. When worn, those joints can increase the steering effort significantly. I replaced the lower control arms in my 300CE last week and reduced my steering effort by 1/3.

I replaced all parts that involve the front suspension and steering system. I gained the feeling of sharpness and firm but loosing comfort instead. This is what I'm looking for.

These are the list :
- drag link
- tie rods
- steering damper
- idler arm bushing
- lower ball-joints
- control arm bushings
- stabilizer bushings
- strut mountings
- shock absorbers
- shock rubbers

THIS. Slipping belt? Missing belt? Pump spinning but not putting out pressure?

How to check that the pump is working or working properly ?

Here's the official way to do it

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12264/disc_2/Program/Chassis/46-3070.pdf

You might not have a pressure gauge though.

With no pressure gauge the following can be done to give you an idea of how well the system is working. This is no way near as good as actually measuring the pressure...

...but when needs must =>

Jack up the front of the car so that the wheels can move freely - the car doesn't have to be all the way up in the air - just relive the pressure on the tyres. Alternatively sit the front wheels on slip plates so the steering can be turned easily.

Remove the cap on the fluid reservoir

Start the engine

Turn the steering wheel one way or the other

You should be able to see fluid leaving and bubbling back into the reservoir - if it is just shaking with the engine vibrations it probably isn't pumping.

You can often feel the pressure line for changes in pressure whilst the steering is being used

Sometimes you can hear the hydraulic fluid whizzing / wheezing through the lines.

Like I said a pressure gauge is the best measure - but sometimes looking for the obvious gives a rough idea if you need to fit a replacement pump (or not).

When you turn the steering full left and full right you should hear the pressure relief in the pump activate, also on a small engine like the 220, when idling in park the load of turning the steering like that should drop the idle a bit if the pump is working properly.