Oh great, another thread on CLK steering problems....!

[teemsta]

Since buying my W208 CLK, I have had a really annoying vibration at about 50mph through to about 75mph. I have had the wheels balanced 3 times, twice at Kwik Fit (Useless) and once at a local place in Swinton. On the last occasion I sat and watched as they balanced all 4 wheels, each showing that they were ok according to the readout before fitting back on the car. I noticed that in total the wheels (according to their machine) were a total of 60grams out in total across all 4 wheels???!!! Also, the stupid idiots had used the air gun to fasten the nuts back on at an epic tightness, fortunately this was noticed when the car wa in at 124 works and NOT on the hard shoulder!

I also think that the steering in general just doesn't feel quite right. Its hard to explain, but for example when turning a corner slowly, if I let go of the wheel it will 'jerk' back into a straight line rather than 'flow'. Maybe this heavier steering is the norm on this car but I am not convinced.

I have changed the steering damper to no avail and am now thinking maybe the drag link/ track rod ends may be the next on the list.

I want to know, once and for all, that my wheels are balanced correctly so I was hoping someone may know of a specialist in my local area? Someone who may also be qualified to check my drag link assembly, etc and advise what the actual problem is?

I really want this sorted, as I am trying my best to ignore it but with the majority of my travel being via motorway this is becoming increasingly difficult!!!

 

[partsspecialist]

I was hoping someone may know of a specialist in my local area? Someone who may also be qualified to check my drag link assembly, etc and advise what the actual problem is?

I Have a few in our area.

Bolton Motor Works.
BMW and MB specialist in Farnworth
01204 793838
Martin.

Mercstar- 3 top techs from here setup on their own.
Will only work on MB, In Radcliffe
0161 7249526
Mark, Sam or Gary.

Mastertec Assist
Wshop foreman from here setup on his own.
Round the corner from here, Droylsden.
0161 3012030
Tommy or Craig.

Tell them you come recommended by me and they should look after you.

 

[teemsta]

Cheers PartsSpecialist, will try these and post on the outcome

 

[Adam230K]

I'm saying this based on the assumption that yours is a w208 and is based on the w202 c-class platform (like mine). My car used to do this at low speeds, and i even got horrible play when going over road with bad camber, When i changed my steering damper things got alot better (£28 from the dealer, 5 mins to fit to your car). And i changed the drag link 2 weeks ago and i have to say it has really improved things alot and eliminated the horrible steering feel.

Just wish the bloody 202 was a steering rack setup... steering box is rubbish imo..

 

[partsspecialist]

Number 14 Repair kit is a favorite for wearing too. Only £26 inc vat

 

[teemsta]

Number 14 Repair kit is a favorite for wearing too. Only £26 inc vat

Thankyou for this, I will pick one of these up at MB when buying the infamous AMG pedals over the xmas break.

 

[Dieselman]

Try driving away on a tightish lock such as drawing out of a junction and pull the wheel round the other way quickly when straigthening up. If this idler is worn there will be a clunk as the direction of force changes.