I own a 1997 E 320, and have recent had an odd problem with my steering. A few days ago I noticed that I was having trouble turning my steering wheel all the way counter clockwise, but if I forced it it would go. The next day as I was turning it there was a cracking noise coming from inside my steering column where it joins to the steering wheel. Now that cracking noise persists and can be felt whenever i turn it in whichever direction ... I can feel it mechanically. It sounds like crackling paper or plastic. Any thoughts? Also does anybody have a good mechanic in San Diego they trust?