GLC SAFETY RECALL: Rework Steering Column

[design4p]

This may be connected to the steering fault, clonking, juddering and skipping. Just wondering if anyone else has been contacted by MB about a Safety Recall.

They MB say that:

SAFETY RECALL (SRPC1807): Rework Steering Column (Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment)

The work they say is to install a protective cover and add sufficient grounding to the steering components.

Due to the terrible and unethical treatment I have had from my MB dealer and HQ I do not believe anything they say or do. I am therefore very cautious to believe that this is a genuine recall. I am thinking that they want to alter the steering in some way and avoid using the words "correcting a fault".

My reason for this thought is: As an engineer I cannot see how an earth cable connected to the steering can be connected to the airbag operation. Surely the deployment of airbags are related to impact or rapid deceleration.

I have made my appointment for the job and I will want to see the parts being fitted and watch the job take place.

Also because of my very low opinion of MB I am concerned about the following.

When making the appointment the service person said that the car would be inspected and a report produced. For me this flags up a well known sale ploy in that they are looking for work to do and therefore gain the business from that, even if what they find does not need fixing.

I will not allow the mechanic to inspect the car, because of the above and because the car has just had its annual service.

Continually dissatisfied with MB - John

 

[John N]

This may be connected to the steering fault, clonking, juddering and skipping. Just wondering if anyone else has been contacted by MB about a Safety Recall.

They MB say that:

SAFETY RECALL (SRPC1807): Rework Steering Column (Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment)

The work they say is to install a protective cover and add sufficient grounding to the steering components.

Due to the terrible and unethical treatment I have had from my MB dealer and HQ I do not believe anything they say or do. I am therefore very cautious to believe that this is a genuine recall. I am thinking that they want to alter the steering in some way and avoid using the words "correcting a fault".

My reason for this thought is: As an engineer I cannot see how an earth cable connected to the steering can be connected to the airbag operation. Surely the deployment of airbags are related to impact or rapid deceleration.

I have made my appointment for the job and I will want to see the parts being fitted and watch the job take place.

Also because of my very low opinion of MB I am concerned about the following.

When making the appointment the service person said that the car would be inspected and a report produced. For me this flags up a well known sale ploy in that they are looking for work to do and therefore gain the business from that, even if what they find does not need fixing.

I will not allow the mechanic to inspect the car, because of the above and because the car has just had its annual service.

Continually dissatisfied with MB - John

SAFETY RECALL (SRPC1807): Rework Steering Column (Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment) is as stated a safety driven check, I had mine done on Tuesday, it takes all of 10 Minutes although the letter says it may take an hour.

Nothing to do with your Steering Problems.

 

[st13phil]

This may be connected to the steering fault, clonking, juddering and skipping. Just wondering if anyone else has been contacted by MB about a Safety Recall.

They MB say that:

SAFETY RECALL (SRPC1807): Rework Steering Column (Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment)

The work they say is to install a protective cover and add sufficient grounding to the steering components.

Due to the terrible and unethical treatment I have had from my MB dealer and HQ I do not believe anything they say or do. I am therefore very cautious to believe that this is a genuine recall. I am thinking that they want to alter the steering in some way and avoid using the words "correcting a fault".

While clearly your trust in both your MB dealer and MBUK is close to zero, your suspicions in this case are unfounded. The Airbag issue is common to a number of MB car models and has been well publicised. It's nothing to do with the GLC "crabbing" issue.

When making the appointment the service person said that the car would be inspected and a report produced. For me this flags up a well known sale ploy in that they are looking for work to do and therefore gain the business from that, even if what they find does not need fixing.

I will not allow the mechanic to inspect the car, because of the above and because the car has just had its annual service.

What benefit will you derive from refusing the inspection? Even if they did identify "recommended work to be carried out" there's no obligation on you to authorise such work?

 

[Deletedmember130310]

Recalls are generally mandated by VOSA - MB would not submit themselves to the poor PR and £ unless mandated by the relevant authorities.

The grounding wire is possibly to prevent accidental triggering of the air bag from a short circuit, triggered by the steering column.

If you are dissatisfied with your dealer, can you find another one?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I don't think that the dealer will be that disappointed should you refuse to visit them again.

 

[GLK]

As an engineer I cannot see how an earth cable connected to the steering can be connected to the airbag operation

I hope your work does not, even remotely, have anything to do with electrics. Hard as it is though, to imagine an engineering field like this nowadays.
From a personal experience (MSc in 1985), even something as obscure, as cinematographic equipment engineering, would give one a clear insight, as to how a bad earth can mess up almost anything.

 

[ioweddie]

Its a grounding recall to do with build up of static that could cause the drivers airbag to go off.
I got a letter this morning with a DVLA Guide

 

[design4p]

Its a grounding recall to do with build up of static that could cause the drivers airbag to go off.
I got a letter this morning with a DVLA Guide

 

[design4p]

Thank you for all the replies very helpful. Can anyone describe the actual part they will be fitting will it be in the cabin steering column or a steering part underneath.

 

[markjay]

Its a grounding recall to do with build up of static that could cause the drivers airbag to go off.
I got a letter this morning with a DVLA Guide

Yup, got the same letter regarding my 2013 W204 C-Class (on 16" tyres and no crabbing....).

 

[markjay]

I had safety recall work done on cars before (Vauxhall and Renault). Besically you hand the keys to the dealer, then collect the car... no drama. In fact there's no info at all at the point of contact... and incidentally, part of the dealer service involves checking if there any outstanding recalls for the car, so if its due a service soon just book the service and the recall work will be done as a matter of course.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Its a shame it isn't a con to get your car in so they can fix the crabbing. It's just a dumb earth wire on the steering column , so unfortunately the car will drive in the same crabbing manner after the recall as it did before.