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W210 "Play" in steering and vauge tracking. Bearings? Pump?
Hey there folks.
I've been at this for a while and am still trying to figure out just why my 1999 W210 E300 TurboDiesel has such a loose/vague tracking feel when driving down the road. It is as if the wheels want to follow every slight dip and depression in the road's surface.
Admittedly, our roads out here in the SoCal high desert can be considered garbage as far as upkeep sometimes. But, my car just seems overly vague in the way that it tracks down the road.
Since I had originally perceived this as a suspension problem, I rebuilt just about everything underneath:
Shocks, spring caps, LCA bushings (KMAC), Rear links and bushings, rear subframe bushings, etc. The only thing that I did not replace were the front upper control arms, but they appeared rather tight and in good condition.
Recently my mechanic stated that the bearings were in need of replacement, and with 220k miles on the clock I would tend to believe it. However, the last time I went to him, he said not to worry unless they are grumbling. I'm just not sure that the W210 bearings fail in that way. Does anyone have experience with this?
The other issue is that I am occasionally getting some occasional/slight groaning and inconsistent pressure feedback (feel to the wheel) from the power steering. I had started a fluid flush (due to the uneven pressure), but quickly figured out that I had been initially given the wrong fluid. I obtained the correct fluid and proceeded to use the old turkey baster drain/fill method of fluid exchange. However, I am hearing the groan a bit more as of late and I believe it's nearing time for a new pump. Unfortunately, the E300 Diesels do not use a pump where the $30 reservoir can be replaced. You must buy the whole pump and replace.
Another weird sensation was noticed on the way home last evening. Every time I would hit a dip in the road, I could feel a very slight pressure on the steering to the left. When the weight of the car was lifted from the suspension as we would crest a rise, I could feel slack and then a very slight pressure to the right. Any clues or recommendations?
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