Power Steering Whine & Grind

[Man18430]

Hello everyone, I have to say that I'm a first post Virgin so treat me gently.
I own a ML 270 (W163) which has developed a whining and occassional grinding from the front end.
The problem started as just a whine which was present when turning the steering from lock to lock, also present was a sleight vibration through the steering wheel.
This has since developed into both a whine and grind, but the grind appears only to be about when turning left under a bit of acceleration, from a standing start.
I did wonder wether it could be something to do with me anti-roll bar bushes, which have seen better days, and are on the 'to-do list'.
Has anyone come across this problem, and if so point me in the right direction.
Thanks.

 

[sjmaxwell]

Welcome to thre forum!

I'm not that familiar with the M Class but I would check all the ball joints and rubbers for wear, but I'm sure an ML expert will give better advise!

 

[Man18430]

Yea, I have to say that the rubbers on the anti-roll bar seem favorite for the grinding noise, I'll have to get them done and see if that sorts it.
Thank you for your advise.

 

[bing]

Does it whine and grind turning the steering left to right while stationary? How's your PS fluid level and any sign of leaks ?

Bad bushes normally creak/knock over uneven roads, humps etc.

 

[johnsco]

Check the fluid level in your power-steering pump reservoir.
If the level is low, it can draw air into the system and this causes a whining noise.
If needed - Make sure that you top up with the correct grade of P.S. fluid.
You cannot just put any old auto-transmission fluid in these cars.

 

[Man18430]

Thanks to all who replied.
Funnily enough I checked the PS fluid level this morning, and found that there was nothing showing on the dip stick (which is exactly what I am for not checking it earlier!!!).
Also checked - as far as you can with only a trolley jack and axel stand - all the rubber bits, they look ok apart from the anti-roll bar bushes.

 

[kap02]

I have a w204 (2010) C class and it creeks when turning the steering wheel when stationary. It is currently with Mercedes and on the Job sheet.

I will feed back any information when i find out more.

Sounds like its from the actual rack to me?

 

[Man18430]

Nice one Kap02, I'll be interested in knowing how your W204 gets on.
And don't talk about it being the rack, that's to expensive for my blood - £435.00 plus surcharge plus fitting -
Anyway some good news, the whine seems to have gone from the power steering, I didn't know a couple of thimble fulls of PS fluid could make that much difference. Lovely Jubbly.
Just the grind to sort now.

 

[Man18430]

Problem SOLVED :bannana:Thanks to all who replied.
Lack of PS fluid, knackered anti-roll bar bushes, was the problem.

 

[kap02]

Great news, Mercedes have just come back to me and told me the Ball joints need cleaning and lube. Im hope thats solved it!

 

[sjmaxwell]

I thought ball joints were in sealed rubber chambers with grease!

 

[Bela B Rethi]

Hello guys,

I do have a small noise coming from the engine compartment while the car it's stopped, idling and turning the steering wheel left or right.

Just a few notes:

1. Power steering pump doesn't make the noise
2. Drive belt + tensioner; 2 x idler pulleys; water pump; alternator clutch pulley replaced recently
3. Fluid level good: Between MIN and MAX, 80 degrees measuring points while engine is warm
4. No leaks; Dry steering rack
5. PS fluid changed 2 months ago (Pentosin CHF 11S - green)
6. Winter tyres front & rear
7. L & R lower and upper ball joints replaced
8. Both strut mount bearings done
9. The car passed it's MOT less than a month

Also, the steering wheel doesn't feel very smooth while you turn it. It's happening only when the car idles, if you rev it up to 1100 - 1200 RPM (while the car it's stopped) everything works brilliant.

If you have any suggestions or had a similar situation, please let me know.

Regards,