Recently picked up a new addition to my family, a 1991 300D 2.5L Turbo with 260xxx miles on it. Body and interior in great condition. Replaced motor mounts the first day after purchase (driver mount had not only collapsed but I believe actually exploded) and the difference new motor mounts is stunning.

Spoke with my mechanic and confirmed that it does NOT need new power steering pump, but the horrid squeal it makes when turning is caused by a "bushing??" being dried out way up in the steering (I say "up in the steering" because he let me put it up on the lift when he squirted some lubricant to stop that squeaking). The squeaking returned shortly thereafter (I knew it was only a short term fix).

This squealing/squeaking is not a bother at the moment as the front ball joint is completely shot. But as soon as I replace the ball joints and feel safe driving it further than a few miles, this noise is going to really cause a problem.

The steering turns as I believe it should although it is difficult to say exactly how it should because in addition to the ball joint, mechanic recommended while doing ball joint go ahead and replace tie rods as well. Also need to repack front wheel bearings and get a couple new front tires (PO had recently put 2 new ones on the rear). Mechanic told me what the steering bushing?? was, but since he gives me free advice during his working hours, and basically inspected my purchase for me free of charge I hate to constantly bother him.

Although I will be dropping the care off to him in a few days to replace the ball joint and will ask him about it again, I was hoping someone had a similar problem with their 300D or could give me a few suggestions on a DIY fix or a good place to start looking to resolve this annoying issue.


Thanks in advance and I will keep all posted once I get these issues all resolved.

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Where exactly did he squirt oil to quiet the squealing?

Sixto
87 300D

Almost for sure the idler arm bushing. Easy fix.

PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store

My bet is on the strut tower bushings... mine is doing the same thing.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Just dropped the sedan off at the mechanic to have ball joint replaced. Before I went I put it up on ramps and rolled under it to take a peak again (should have taken pics, sorry) and do some "lubing" so that I wouldn't be pulled over for violation of any noise ordinances, haha. I squirted some lubricant where the steering shaft?? comes down before the steering coupling. It did not make a sound (8-10 miles) all the way to the mechanic. I was unable to speak to my mechanic other than telling him what I needed done, that I already had the new Lemforder ball joint in the car, and to call me when he does it so that I can watch and learn. I will be changing the tie rods, repacking the front wheel bearings, and hopefully fixing the cause of the steering squealing. Thanks in advance for any more suggestions.

There is a rod btw the wheel and steering gear and a plastic cover to protect it from dust and water.

The red arrows show the start and end point of plastic cover, and blue one shows the place TO BE OILED.