I have an enduring issue on my 300CE. When I turn the sterring wheel while traveling at low speeds, I get moaning and groaning from the steering column. In recent years, I've rebuilt the steering pump and replaced the steering box, but the moans keep coming. The fluid level is constant, the filter is new, and the belt is tight.

Any suggestions about where to look/what to look at?

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I never go far without a little Big Star

1994 E500 199/Gray 82k
84 300D (Salty) Orient Red/Palomino 141k
88 300CE (Ersatzhammer) 904/Java 163k -- Turbo Technics twin turbo kit, AMG Gen I body kit, Sportline steering box and steering wheel, Sportline/Eibach /Bilstein Sport/500E suspension, Quaife LSD in 210 mm diff case, Silver Arrow brakes.
88 300CE Brabus 3.6 199 on Black 44k

I've searched and looked at previous threads. Anybody have any ideas?

__________________
I never go far without a little Big Star

1994 E500 199/Gray 82k
84 300D (Salty) Orient Red/Palomino 141k
88 300CE (Ersatzhammer) 904/Java 163k -- Turbo Technics twin turbo kit, AMG Gen I body kit, Sportline steering box and steering wheel, Sportline/Eibach /Bilstein Sport/500E suspension, Quaife LSD in 210 mm diff case, Silver Arrow brakes.
88 300CE Brabus 3.6 199 on Black 44k

Hi,
I have a 1990 300SE and get the same moaning noise from my steering. I think it is from the column itself not from the pump. Lift the front of the car and with the engine off turn the steering wheel lock to lock if you get the same noise it is the column and lube related not pump or belt.
Hope it helps.

Thanks, MRC. I'll try that this afternoon. Is it possible to lube the column?

__________________
I never go far without a little Big Star

1994 E500 199/Gray 82k
84 300D (Salty) Orient Red/Palomino 141k
88 300CE (Ersatzhammer) 904/Java 163k -- Turbo Technics twin turbo kit, AMG Gen I body kit, Sportline steering box and steering wheel, Sportline/Eibach /Bilstein Sport/500E suspension, Quaife LSD in 210 mm diff case, Silver Arrow brakes.
88 300CE Brabus 3.6 199 on Black 44k

Is there a coupling between the box and the column on this model? You may want to check that.

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1989 300E 144K

I have a 2000 E320 which has exactly the same problem. Please let me know how I can lub the steering column. Thanks.

In areas where it is cold if there is any moisture in the ball joints they can freeeze and cause moaning or rumbling. If this is the case it can often be solved by using a needle fitting on a grease gun to squirt grease into the boot. If the boot is cracked and the ball joint not loose a new boot can be installed.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.