Loose Steering... AGAIN
 

About 20k miles ago, I had my lower control arm bushings replaced.
Now, I have 127k miles on my 1995 C280... and the steering doesn't feel tight anymore. When I engage kickdown, and have a thrust of power, the steering wheel (/front wheels) will move easily to the left &/or right (as if swerving)... similar to a front wheel drive car when floored.

Any ideas??

David:

Does your car have a steering damper? If so, it may be tired.

Mike,
GREAT IDEA!!!! I should have thought of that! I changed it last at 80k miles about 2 years ago.. So about 50k miles... might be worth a cheap shot.

I'm on my way to Fletcher Jones now! Thanks again.
I'll update you in a bit.

Loose steering
 

It's doubtful that a worn steering shock would cause the problem you've described, but checking the shock for wear is easy. Just unbolt it at one end and pull it out to it's fully extended position. Then, push it back the other way. If it's leaked any hydraulic fluid it will be very easy to push in. If it moves easily for an inch or two and then offers some resistance it's unlikely that is the cause of your problem. Don't overlook the rear suspension as a possible cause. When you floor it to the point of "kickdown",if worn components in the rear shift due to load, this changes the vehicles "thrust angle". In order to offset this condition you would have to steer the car to maintain direction. This could explain the sensation of swerving. Also, take a look at the transmission mount and, although unlikely, check the driveshaft center support. Good luck, and let me know how it works out.

You know.... on my way over there, I was thinking the same thing. Steering damper is for vibrations! Well I bought one anyway, and will swap it out just for the sake of it. Thanks Mike, in any event. ;)

But boy did I do some damage, $ 320 worth!! I bought 3 new keys plus a valet key, new floor mats, new steering shock, one key chain, power steering fluid + filter, brake fluid, and 2 underbody panels that were totally scarred!

Looks like I've got some work ahead of me.

And thanks for the insight, "ILUVMILS." I will have my shop check all those components.

I'm digging into old memories here but, the thrust links and toe links can cause a 124 to wander like that (in the rear) and the upper control arms will cause a 123 to wander and feel light.



Joe

Does that have rack and pinion steering?

Nope. Recirculating Ball.

The W210's were the first to get rack and pinion.

Another thing that I notice regarding the issue...

When I hit bumps, or small imperfections, or potholes in the road, the steering wheel easily pulls to the side... ie whichever way the bump naturally forced whe front wheels to go (thus, the steering wheel).

I am gonna have this checked out Saturday when I get my brakes done.

Today I took the car in and had them do a bunch of tasks (so I can conclude the 30k mile service over 5k mile time period!).

I told the man to check the Steering because I felt it was getting loose. Also check the differential, transmission, and motor mounts. I also had him check ware components in the suspension (Front & Rear).

On the repair order sheet, in accordance with each CHECK (per me), is written, "ALL LOOKS WELL." So he didn't find anything out of the ordinary. They do not specialize in Mercedes, so perhaps I can help them help me with this problem.

Firstly, my alignmest is very off.
Secondly, I will have him spefically inspect the "thrust links" and "toe links"
?

Thanks for the help guys... ;)

David, David, David.

I can't believe a veteran of this site would take his car to a shop that doesn't specialize in Mercedes.

That doesn't make any sense.

The cumulative wisdom of all the owners on this site is that these cars are so different and have unique characteristics that one should only take his car to a shop that specializes in Mercedes.

Newport Beach is the Mercedes capital of the world.

Find a good MB specialist. There ought to be one on every corner.

My dad goes to this place for many of our auto needs because they're convenient, and he trusts them. He pays for the repairs (most of it anyway), he wants it taken there.

HOWEVER, for many Mercedes-specific services, or other Mercedes-sensitive services, I'll take it to the dealer. So if he can't find anything wrong with the suspension, or steering (I'll assume the mounts are OK), I'll take it to Fletcher Jones, one of the highest volume servicing centers for Mercedes.

non-expert
 

I have found for most things, particularly electronics and automobiles it's crucial to go to an expert when needed.

When ever there is something that comes up that I am unable to do I go straight to my local MB specialist. These cars, like most cars today, are very special in many respects. Mercedes more so than any other car I've owned.

For my MB and my subaru I will only go to an expert.

I have found non-specialists can complicate even the simplest issue and cost 10 fold by the end of the day.

If you have the CD you sould check out the list of tools alone these guys/gals need to properly service an MB. I bet a properly outfitted MB garage would have at least $10,000 in MB tools.

These people are worth every penny, like anything else, the more times you do something the easier it gets.

My thoughts,
Joel

David, what was the problem? Did you get it fixed?