'Gritty' steering

[uumode]

Got a minor problem at the moment, (not sure if it's major)

When turning the wheel, it feels like there is 'grit' in the steering.
(just feels a bit 'gritty' when turning the wheel tightly, e.g. round corner or parking - like if there was sand or grit in the steering.. only there isn't of course, but that's what it feels like, crunching small granular particles... suppose you could say the steering has a 'granular' feeling).

There is also a very quiet groan sort of noise.

 

[guydewdney]

been to the beach lately?

first thing id check is PS fluid level...

 

[uumode]

I didn't think it would be the PS fluid, but will check just in case.

a contaminated bearing somewhere?

 

[MP210]

I have a similar problem with my W210. Originally when I got the car in 2003 I noticed a gritty feel and squeaky noises from the steering. MB Dealer said it was the steering rack. They replaced it and the problem was gone. It has returned again after 18 months. I tried applying a bit of WD40 around the steering column but no improvement. Does anyone else know what it could be? I have read threads mentioning steering dampers being the cause of similar problems, could this be related? Is this a simple fix or should I expect a big bill?

 

[sportyreptile]

Ball Joints maybe.

Iffy ball joints perhaps? I had mine replaced along with the damper and idler bushes, the steering feel was much more positive.

I've got the W124 E Class but I think the 210's setup is similar

 

[uumode]

I have a similar problem with my W210. Originally when I got the car in 2003 I noticed a gritty feel and squeaky noises from the steering. MB Dealer said it was the steering rack. They replaced it and the problem was gone. It has returned again after 18 months. I tried applying a bit of WD40 around the steering column but no improvement. Does anyone else know what it could be? I have read threads mentioning steering dampers being the cause of similar problems, could this be related? Is this a simple fix or should I expect a big bill?

I've had since, new suspension bushes, new arms and ball joints fitted by MB, the gritty feel seems to have gone but infrequently sometimes there is a faint squeaky noise now like a slipping belt when the steering is turned to near full lock, when car is at parking speeds.

/EDIT
oh and a side effect, it cured a 'unbalanced tyre type' rumble which manifested itself at around 50-55mph (I thought it was a slightly distorted tyre/or alloy and assumed it would go away at the next fresh tyre change, since three attempts to balance the wheels - same rumble) anything above or below and it disappeared.. now the above work cured this too.

 

[grayb]

We had a steering damper go west - the first symptom was a quiet 'moaning' noise when turned through a quarter of a turn on the steering wheel. By the time we found the cause, the damper was completely shot - no oil left in it at all. The steering was somewhat better when it was replaced!

 

[MP210]

I spoke to an MB dealer regarding changing the steering damper on my car. They told me that my car doesn't have a steering damper as it all part of the steering rack. They would have to change the steering rack. Is this correct? Does the W210 not have a steering damper that can not be changed separated?

 

[Dieselman]

I spoke to an MB dealer regarding changing the steering damper on my car. They told me that my car doesn't have a steering damper as it all part of the steering rack. They would have to change the steering rack. Is this correct? Does the W210 not have a steering damper that can not be changed separated?

Correct, your car has a rack not a steering box and drag link.