Technical question: If the center seal on the rack piston (between 2 fluid chambers) was distored/slight hole/etc. and allowed fluid to bypass, would this cause a "wandering" sensation while driving? Everything else has been eliminated- alignment, tires, tie rods, rack play, etc.

I'm wondering what inside the rack failing/malfunctioning would cause this. The steering ALSO does not "self center" after doing steering wheel movements. Been this way since new.

Since the racks are sort of new to the MB world maybe some of our other subscribers can help with this that have other makes.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
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The 140 S-class has a steering box. Which "rack piston" are you referring to?

The Mercedes model I was posting about is a 1997 E420 (210 chassis) with power rack & pinion steering. Please see my original posting. Thanks!