Excessive play in steering?? 300CE

[bdrought]

I think I've figured out why my 300CE is not handling quite the way it should. With the engine off, there is play on the steering wheel (about 2 inches travel of any point on the wheel if that makes sense). I never used to get any play why the engine was running. Once the power steering had fired up, a turn was a turn. Now at idle, I can rock the wheel and nothing happens. Ideas anyone???

Bri

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

I also have a play in my 560SEC but even while driving. I also had this problem but it was bigger on my 500SEL. I couldn't find any answers for it

------------------
-------------------------------------
WEB Site : http://www.adamou.dpn.ch
A.S.C. 1999
-------------------------------------

Same on my 89 420...

[bdrought]

Wll theres also play when driving which makes the car very ervous and twitchy at speed.... I'm SURE there used to be no play at all. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but:

Also: I'm getting a rubbing / grinding noise from the front left wheel area. Tends to only happen when turning the wheels when stopped / or VERY slow. Almost like a creaking noise. Could this be a faulty shock?

Bri

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

[MikeM]

Brian,

Might want to get someone well versed in MB Suspension work,
Could be a tie rod end , wear in steering box, few other things,

To important to mess a around with.

Mike

I would like to add that my '90 300ce originally had no play but eventually developed about an inch of play in eithr direction. Any play is an irritant as it affects your ability to accurately place the car. My dad had a '80 300sd that in its later years developed about 2" of play. I've been "told" that MB's will eventually do this and that the steering box may need to be replaced or something in there needs to be tightened. We got rid of both cars before we ever did anything with it. I have a feeling that this is not uncommon with MB's as they age.

[jpenix]

I have a 1983 380SEL that's just approaching 100k miles. It had about 1 inch of play in the steering wheel, making it somewhat difficult to keep it on-center on the freeway.

The last few weeks it had been making a progressively-worse creaking noise, so I had my shop look at it. They determined one of the lower balljoints was making the noise and required replacement. Since the other side was getting worn as well, I had them fix all the problems with the front end:

- New lower balljoints on both sides
- New brake support bearings
- New steering dampener
- Front Alignment

The difference is *phenomenal* - the steering feels like a new car's. NO play in the steering whatsoever and it tracks perfectly straight ahead It's just a pleasure to drive now.

Cost for the whole repair wasn't terribly expensive (~$750) either.

[bdrought]

jpenix,
I spoke to my mechanic on the phone today... he said 'Oh, sounds like a lower ball joint'

Will get it checked later this afternoon... thanks everyone!

Bri


------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069