popping sound when turning steering wheel at slow speed
 

I now have a popping sound in the steering when backing up and turning or turning while going forward at slow speed. I know I had a front end ball joint that was wearing out. I guess it may be getting worse.

Any ideas? It does not make the noise at normal driving speeds.

Fix it Yesterday
 

see above

answer
 

check you tierod ends...this seems to be a mojor issue with popping at low speeds in a turn...also check you bearings.

tie rods
 

I had the same thing happen:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=132284

Have someone look / listen under the car with it in park and crank the wheel lock to lock (all left / all right) - I was able to see the tie rod end "pop" and jump

You'll want to get that fixed ASAP

I will get them checked
 

Your suspicion of tie rod may be correct. I will get that checked ASAP.
I just had the alignment done on the front end and it was the upper control arm ball joint he said was wearing out, not a tie rod. He said the tie rods looked good.

How should I diagnose?? Get my wife to turn the wheel while I look for popping under the front end???

Would love suggestions.

answer #2
 

Ok Start here...
1) Jack up the front of the car
2)place jack stands under car
3)turn steering wheel all the way to lock (left or right)
4)while watching the tie rod end move the tire left and right to see if there is play in the tie rod ends.
5) if you have a w123 the uper ball joint has to be replaced as an upper control arm as it is one peice. tie rods ends are easier and cheaper by far. if theres any question to the integrity of the tierods replace them for good insurance and they should last another 15 - 20 years.
6) if theres play but it doesnt seem to be comming from the tie rod ends (check both sides) then it could very well be lower ball joints or bearings.
7) any more questions just let me know because i just did a full front end rebuild on my w123. ~Luke

thanks
 

Well, I am pretty sure it is not the bearnings because I replaced all the front and rear wheel bearings 30k miles ago. Should not have worn out already.

The alignment guy said the upper control arm was popping and the caster adjustment needed to be replaced -whatever part adjusts wheel caster.

Make Sure You Alignment Guy Is Equiped To Do An Alignment On A 123 Mercedes!!!!! Most Dont Even Know What A Spreader Bar Is Or About The Box Lock!