Steering noise in 86 300E

Hi to everyone, hope you all had a good New Years...

Recently, when the car is cold (i.e., in freezing or below ambient temp.), and the engine bay hasn't yet warmed up, the steering system make a noticeable groan (as though rubbing against some resistance)with a very slight vibration that can be felt through the wheel. This goes away after the car is driven a bit. Power steering fluid is full. Any ideas?
On a side note, the steering effort has always been higher in this car than in my 89 300TE.
Thanks, as usual, for any and all advice.
Regards,
Nick

[Benzmac]

It sounds to me as if you have a weak P/S pump. You should have it checked if it bothers you.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[jeffsr]

Nick, is it noisy w/o moving the steering wheel, or does it groan (low pitched whine or hum) when you cycle the wheel lock to lock. Also at full lock do you get any increase in noise or any motion feedback from the steering. I had H20 in my 87 300e p/s system, (don't know how it got there)and in the winter, it was noisy as hell when cold but fine when warmed up. Don't know if this is what you have, but for me the fix was to drain p/s system, refill with ATF and 1/2 container of dry gas, run until warm, drain again and refill with proper p/s oil. This may sound chop shop, but it saved my p/s pump, rack and a lot of $$. This only occurred in cold weather. Benzmac, ever heard of this fix? Came from and old-timer, Only catch is it takes 2/3 drains and refills to get all the garbage out, but it's still cheaper than p/s pump or rack.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e

Thanks for the responses, however, I am getting a little worried... the noise is getting louder and sounds more like a "creak" now. Are there parts of this system that should be lubricated?

[jeffsr]

tie rod ends will creak if worn or dry, especially if the car is sitting and you turn the wheel lock to lock. The P/S is already full of oil. Did you try and dope out the pump noises?? You also may have worn seals inside the rack. don't wait too long. The rack can be a big $$$ item.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e

[bdrought]

I've got the same symptoms.... my mech says its warm ball joints etc. I'm having them replaced on Tuesday, and will let you know how I get on!

Bri



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

[bdrought]

Got the balljoints and 'drag links' replaced yesterday.. car now tracks straight & true... no steering noise either!!

Bri

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