My 86' SEC has done this since I bought it and it is really starting to annoy me. When turning the steering wheel, it makes a clicking sound... About four clicks from Left to right, full lock. It sounds like its literally coming from the steering column itself, close to the steering wheel.

I thought it could be the turn signal mechanism, since my turn signals don't quite work right...they self-cancel properly, but the lights in the cluster are weird, the left signal always works, but doesn't make the "clicking" sound as it flashes on and off when the lights are on. The right exterior signal lights always work, but the dash light doesn't flash, I also don't hear the "clicking" sound. And when I turn the lights on, the right turn indicator light in the cluster just stays on constantly. Could this be attributed to a broken turn signal mechanism in the steering column?

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

If you will look at your front axles, they have rubber boots on them. Two for each side, and inner & outter. These boots are full of grease for the CV joints they house. When a boot goes bad, they will sling all the grease out of them, and make a noise just like what you are describing. This doesn't mean your CV joints are bad (they could be) but it does mean they need looked at right away, and a new boot & grease installed before they do go bad.

That doesn't sound right to me...the SEC isn't FWD, and it doesn't use a rack and pinion...does it?

The sound is definitely coming from the steering column...I guess I'll just have to take it apart and see what's up. Does anyone know what type of fasteners hold the horn pad on the steering wheel?

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Sounds like the Turn Signal / Wiper switch and or the contact ring for the T/S Wiper/SRS behind the steering wheel..Take the steering wheel off to inspect the switch first...

Also the 126 does NOT have Front wheel drive...And No Rack/Pinion Steering
it has old school Steering Box

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MBENZNL.com

Could it be that you are just turning the wheel too far and need to back off just a hair. This is how it is for my 81 300SD. It clicks if I turn it too far to the right or left.

also there may be something rubbing against your steering shaft. Try jacking up the front of the car, and removing the panel under the dash. Turn the wheels back and forth to see if you can trace the noise.