Slight clunk in steering wheel

[chocolateobrian]

Hi guys, dunno if this has been covered before but I tried a search and couldn't get a close match.

Basically the car is a 92 J W124 E230 Automatic. I'm new to these (first Merc ever) so please bare with me.

There seems to be a slight clunk when the steering wheel turns left and then returns right. It's maybe not even one 8th of a turn. Feels like it is the drivers side. Does it when going around corners and say when parking up.

Any ideas? Hoping it's not an expensive fix obviously but want it right before June and the imminent MOT.

Thanks


Andy

 

[NW_Merc]

Maybe the steering wheel has been off and not tightened properly to the correct torque. Or it could be the steering column itself.

 

[chocolateobrian]

Maybe the steering wheel has been off and not tightened properly to the correct torque. Or it could be the steering column itself.

Perhaps. I've heard horror stories from folk trying to discern me from owning a Mercedes saying this and that about top mounts, struts and all that stuff so just wanted to sort out any niggles to prevent an MOT failure. More of an annoyance over anything dangerous etc.

 

[NW_Merc]

Have you checked underneath i.e. wishbones, steering arms etc, there could be wear on those parts bearing in mind how long ago these were replaced etc. I'm sure someone else will be along who could shed more light on your problem.

 

[chocolateobrian]

Well it seems after investigation today I have hopefully found my problem(s).

Basically all 4 bushes on the front anti-roll bar are shot. Not cracked or anything but very loose and dry. So gonna change them asap. Also there is a lot of play in the inner rod arm link which is causing the play in the steering wheel which I noticed. Whilst my mechanic mate was round helping me look we also noticed the rear brake lines are slightly corroded so gonna change these too with new copper piping.

Luckily for me he's the MOT tester at a local Toyota dealership too, so can check everything for me pre-MOT

Hoping parts aren't too bad and will fully service the car too (filters, fluids).

 

[NW_Merc]

Eurocarparts are good for anything you need.

 

[chocolateobrian]

Eurocarparts are good for anything you need.

Yep, already had a good scour on their site. Found everything apart from the inner rod link (which I'm not too sure on the terminology for).

My mate who's doing the work is gonna price up the parts for me from a loal motor parts place I use a lot.

Any brands of car parts to AVOID like the plague?

 

[chocolateobrian]

Well today was the day when my mate had the car round his. Well actually took it last night for him and he jacked it up ready for today. Changed the inner link, 4 anti-roll bar bushes, fitted all new copper brake pipe for each corner as well as a complete brake fluid change too, did an oil service, changed air filter, topped up fluids and even sorted my tyre pressures out too LOL. All for a sum of money which wouldn't have even covered Mercedes labour charges for a couple hours!

I'm a very happy bunny as the car drives beautifully over bumps now, no clunks, nothing. MOT soon and next up is to check the fueling to try improve the 20mpg I'm getting