Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-24-2002, 08:01 PM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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??

__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-24-2002, 08:08 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 577
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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-24-2002, 08:18 PM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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.
__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-24-2002, 08:45 PM
ILUVMILS's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,066
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-24-2002, 09:32 PM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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.
__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-25-2002, 12:23 PM
it leaks, its german
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: raleigh nc
Posts: 1,111
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
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-25-2002, 12:27 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Saugus, CA USA
Posts: 2,042
Does that have rack and pinion steering?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-25-2002, 09:06 PM
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
Posts: 8,538
Quote:
Originally posted by Jim Anderson
Does that have rack and pinion steering?
Nope. Recirculating Ball.

The W210's were the first to get rack and pinion.
__________________
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".
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-27-2002, 02:14 AM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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.
__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-29-2002, 06:46 AM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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...
__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-29-2002, 01:27 PM
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
Posts: 8,538
Quote:
Originally posted by David C Klasse
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...
David, David, David.

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.
__________________
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".
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-29-2002, 07:22 PM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
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.
__________________
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!)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-29-2002, 08:04 PM
1992300e
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-08-2002, 12:24 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 210
David, what was the problem? Did you get it fixed?

__________________
1997 Silver AMG C36
OEM Advantegarde Grille
OEM Clear Corners
W210 Blinking mirrors
Eibach/Bilstein Combo
Zender Rear Lip Spoiler
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page