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Loose Steering... AGAIN
About 20k miles ago, I had my lower control arm bushings replaced.
Now, I have 127k miles on my 1995 C280... and the steering doesn't feel tight anymore. When I engage kickdown, and have a thrust of power, the steering wheel (/front wheels) will move easily to the left &/or right (as if swerving)... similar to a front wheel drive car when floored. Any ideas??
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
#2
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David:
Does your car have a steering damper? If so, it may be tired. Last edited by Mike Richards; 09-24-2002 at 10:52 PM. |
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Mike,
GREAT IDEA!!!! I should have thought of that! I changed it last at 80k miles about 2 years ago.. So about 50k miles... might be worth a cheap shot. I'm on my way to Fletcher Jones now! Thanks again. I'll update you in a bit.
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
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Loose steering
It's doubtful that a worn steering shock would cause the problem you've described, but checking the shock for wear is easy. Just unbolt it at one end and pull it out to it's fully extended position. Then, push it back the other way. If it's leaked any hydraulic fluid it will be very easy to push in. If it moves easily for an inch or two and then offers some resistance it's unlikely that is the cause of your problem. Don't overlook the rear suspension as a possible cause. When you floor it to the point of "kickdown",if worn components in the rear shift due to load, this changes the vehicles "thrust angle". In order to offset this condition you would have to steer the car to maintain direction. This could explain the sensation of swerving. Also, take a look at the transmission mount and, although unlikely, check the driveshaft center support. Good luck, and let me know how it works out.
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#5
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You know.... on my way over there, I was thinking the same thing. Steering damper is for vibrations! Well I bought one anyway, and will swap it out just for the sake of it. Thanks Mike, in any event.
But boy did I do some damage, $ 320 worth!! I bought 3 new keys plus a valet key, new floor mats, new steering shock, one key chain, power steering fluid + filter, brake fluid, and 2 underbody panels that were totally scarred! Looks like I've got some work ahead of me. And thanks for the insight, "ILUVMILS." I will have my shop check all those components.
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
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I'm digging into old memories here but, the thrust links and toe links can cause a 124 to wander like that (in the rear) and the upper control arms will cause a 123 to wander and feel light.
Joe
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Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque? Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible Acme Automotive Inc. Raleigh NC 919-881-0364 |
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Does that have rack and pinion steering?
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#8
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Quote:
The W210's were the first to get rack and pinion.
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Paul S. 2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior. 79,200 miles. 1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron". |
#9
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Another thing that I notice regarding the issue...
When I hit bumps, or small imperfections, or potholes in the road, the steering wheel easily pulls to the side... ie whichever way the bump naturally forced whe front wheels to go (thus, the steering wheel). I am gonna have this checked out Saturday when I get my brakes done.
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
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Today I took the car in and had them do a bunch of tasks (so I can conclude the 30k mile service over 5k mile time period!).
I told the man to check the Steering because I felt it was getting loose. Also check the differential, transmission, and motor mounts. I also had him check ware components in the suspension (Front & Rear). On the repair order sheet, in accordance with each CHECK (per me), is written, "ALL LOOKS WELL." So he didn't find anything out of the ordinary. They do not specialize in Mercedes, so perhaps I can help them help me with this problem. Firstly, my alignmest is very off. Secondly, I will have him spefically inspect the "thrust links" and "toe links" ? Thanks for the help guys...
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
#11
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Quote:
I can't believe a veteran of this site would take his car to a shop that doesn't specialize in Mercedes. That doesn't make any sense. The cumulative wisdom of all the owners on this site is that these cars are so different and have unique characteristics that one should only take his car to a shop that specializes in Mercedes. Newport Beach is the Mercedes capital of the world. Find a good MB specialist. There ought to be one on every corner.
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Paul S. 2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior. 79,200 miles. 1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron". |
#12
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My dad goes to this place for many of our auto needs because they're convenient, and he trusts them. He pays for the repairs (most of it anyway), he wants it taken there.
HOWEVER, for many Mercedes-specific services, or other Mercedes-sensitive services, I'll take it to the dealer. So if he can't find anything wrong with the suspension, or steering (I'll assume the mounts are OK), I'll take it to Fletcher Jones, one of the highest volume servicing centers for Mercedes.
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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver) Previous: 1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles 2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!) 1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI) 03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's) 2006 C230k (Dad's) 1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's) 2000 C230k Sport sedans 2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's) 1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!) |
#13
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non-expert
I have found for most things, particularly electronics and automobiles it's crucial to go to an expert when needed.
When ever there is something that comes up that I am unable to do I go straight to my local MB specialist. These cars, like most cars today, are very special in many respects. Mercedes more so than any other car I've owned. For my MB and my subaru I will only go to an expert. I have found non-specialists can complicate even the simplest issue and cost 10 fold by the end of the day. If you have the CD you sould check out the list of tools alone these guys/gals need to properly service an MB. I bet a properly outfitted MB garage would have at least $10,000 in MB tools. These people are worth every penny, like anything else, the more times you do something the easier it gets. My thoughts, Joel |
#14
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David, what was the problem? Did you get it fixed?
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1997 Silver AMG C36 OEM Advantegarde Grille OEM Clear Corners W210 Blinking mirrors Eibach/Bilstein Combo Zender Rear Lip Spoiler |
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