Still a wobbly/shakey steering wheel when on bumpy roads. Need new draglink?

[golden1245]

As some of you may remember, I have had front end suspension renewal recently. Changed shocks on all for corners of the car and changed balljoints and lower control arm bushings in the front. Car feels much more solid now.

Only thing is when driving on rough roads and hitting pot holes the steering wheel still wobbles a bit and feels loose. Will changing out the entire tie-road/drag link remedy this problem and make it feel like new again? i remember the steering use to be much stiffer.

thank you in advance for your responses

 

[golden1245]

anyone have any ideas?

There's a genuine Mercedes Drag link and tie rod end for $200 and also a URO parts one for $80. Seems like like something that can wear out after a while since ball joints that can wear out and go softare used to connect it to the steering and suspension.

thanks!

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Had similar symptoms with my C230K, try replacing the steering damper first, very cheap to buy, and very very easy to do yourself only 2 bolts, and easy access to it.

 

[golden1245]

thank you Andy, but the steering damper was just replaced a year ago so it is very new.

 

[andy27168]

Was it an MB part? As I have heard of non MB ones failling very quickly, might be worth taking it off and checking the resistance in the movement to new one.

 

[millo777]

Best thing to do is get underneath the car with a pry bar and check for play in all the ball joints that are part of the steering. There are 6 total, so plenty of scope of slop and play.

Another thing to check is the idler arm bush. Replacement kits with all the mountings are about £40 from MB and £20 for a good German after market such as Febi.

 

[kth286]

as been suggested, remove one bolt, one end of damper, and push and pull it to see if there is a good resistance there. If not, the oil must have leaked out of it.

Cheap from merc dealer.