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Steering Noise - Help!

Herbie

Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
44
Hi All - I have a weird noise coming from my e class when I have the car in reverse (or in Drive just after reversing) when I turn the steering wheel. It sounds like belts but its not as high screeched as I would have thought for that. Its more of whining noise (but not high pitch) - does anyone have any ideas what this may be? Any way of eliminating possible causes to identify root cause? All replies welcome.
P.S. Only seems to be evident at slow car manouvering speeds??
 
Steering talk, you may get a better response in the 'Wheels & Tyres' Section. :)

Moving...

S.

p.s. Hopefully if someone has suffered from a similar problem then you'll get a reply. I'm not sure but isn't the steering wheel pump driven on the fan belt? Maybe reseating/replacing the fan belt might cure the screeching? That's the only thing that springs to my mind. If you think it's steering related best also check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
 
I cant help as such but I may be experiencing the same thing. Our C43 steering makes what I would describe as a moaning noise when manouvering at parking speeds. The noise may be there at other speeds but cant be heard. I immediately suspected the PAS pump and had my mechanic neighbour look at it quickly - but he said the pump wasn't making any untoward noises when the seering wheel was moved around. So, the noise is coming from elsewhere - the steering box maybe? Still waiting to find out...
 
hi,im a technician from an independant mb garage. The best way to test if its the power steering pump is to remove the auxillary drive belt and shake the steering side to side if the noise has gone then the pump is unserviceable. If you notice this noise while on full lock, there is a possibility that it could be the steering stops on the front subframe. These are a serviceable item and should be greased at every service. If they are not greased you are almost guaranteed to develope a noise on full lock when going over bumps. Hope this eliminates another possible cause.
 
Thanks, Smiffy. I dont think the full lock part applies - the noise happens whenever you move the wheel, not just near full lock. Taking the belt off is obviously the next stage - just a matter of finding a suitable time to do it! Servicing seems to be a long way apart - we're still 1500 miles away from the nexty service, despite the fact that it's been more than 18 months since the last one (car's not used every day).
 
This may sound stupid - but is this a cold/damp weather related problem?
I have had a problem similar to what grayb has described - a groaning noise when turning the wheel when manouevring. It has only started in the past couple of weeks.
I've also seen a couple of other posts on other boards in the past couple of weeks describing the same thing - mbworld.org........
 
Not cold / damp related - it was happening all through the summer (ok, so maybe that WAS cold and damp :D ).
 
Smiffy I possibly have those full lock symptoms, could you expand on what needs greasing please, is it something I can do (I have access to a 'pit')?

cheers,

Neil
 
Our friendly mechanic found the groaning noise! As soon as the car went up on the hoist it was easy to trace - the steering damper was completey shot! No oil, nothing - shouldn't have passed the MOT!

We also cured the clonk from the near side - replaced the wishbone ball joint. Parts and labour about £115 for both - very happy customer! If you need a good mechanic I can recommend one in Hailsham, East Sussex.
 
steering noise

On my previous 210 e class I had a similar problem. Always made a groaning noise when doing low speed manouveres such as reverse parking etc. The dealers ended up replacing the rack TWICE and the pump but to no avail.

My brother's 2000 e class has since developed the same proble. He too has had his rack replaced aswell as various bushes and bits greased up. The steering colum rubber bush was also changed. However, the problem is still there and the dealers are at a loss as to diagnosing it. The vehicle operates fine save as to the noise.

Would love to know any other possible causes could be causing this noise?
 
Guys - noises all gone!!!! Had the V belt replaced with a new tensioner from stealership - expensive but sorted. Whilst there also had steering joint replaced due to friction when softly swaying steering left and right. Total cost = £634.00!!!!!
 
Terry R said:
Grayb - Who's the man in Hailsham

Terry R in Gatwick.

Haven't got the telno to hand - it's at home. I'll let you have it asap.

He's just set up on his own having worked as the service manager for a main dealer (not MB) - decided to go back to spanners. Very honest and reliable - but not a big setup! :)
 
I have the contact details for the mechanic in Hailsham now:

Chris, EK's Motor Services, 01323 845484
 
That's useful. I live just outside of Hailsham !!!
 

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