w208 - Slight groaning noise when turning steering wheel

[DaveLondon]

Hi folks

My w208 is off to the garage tomorrow to have the tracking sorted, and I've asked them to take a look at a potential problem with the steering while it's there.
Just to help me better understand what to expect, I wondered if anyone had encountered a similar problem.

The issue appears to be most prevalent when turning around dead-centre (perhaps half/three-quarters a turn in each direction), and manifests itself as a quiet groaning noise that I can feel in feedback through the wheel. I'm reasonably confident that it's not the PAS pump, as there's no associated whirring etc., so that leaves me a little bit stumped (not knowing the w208 all that well). PAS fluid is at a decent level, and doesn't look/smell burnt.

Any thoughts as to what might be causing the noise?

Cheers!

 

[markjay]

Noise when turning is often associated with failed or worn front wheel bearing, though you would expect to hear it coming from one side of the car (when driving with the windows rolled down).

Hope this helps.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Odds on it a worn lower ball joint. Very common. And if it is, it's cheap & simple fix.

 

[flango]

^ What he said common problem

 

[DaveLondon]

Interesting - thanks very much all.

I'm fairly sure it's not a wheel bearing, as I've had plenty of experience of those in the past.

The balljoint is something I hadn't really considered (I'd been preoccupied with worrying about the steering setup), and sounds sensible, although I couldn't really place if it was coming from one side or another.

It's off to AMC in Earlsfield tomorrow morning, so let's see what they have to say on the matter.

 

[streethawk]

My e class did this and it turned out to be top ball joint! Test by putting your hand on joint and get someone to turn steering! If it's the top you'll feel it. Oh and be careful not to trap you're arm etc but I am sure that's common sense.

 

[DaveLondon]

Well, the culprit was a dead steering damper. Going to order the part and have a bash at replacing on a friend's driveway following a guide I found online.

 

[renault12ts]

:d

 

[DaveLondon]

:d

Thanks for that, I think...

 

[Hawkwind]

Well, the culprit was a dead steering damper. Going to order the part and have a bash at replacing on a friend's driveway following a guide I found online.

Hi Dave, don't know if this is the same guide you found on line, but this guy's videos are pretty clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqX81O2iEvs

 

[DaveLondon]

Hi Dave, don't know if this is the same guide you found on line, but this guy's videos are pretty clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqX81O2iEvs

That's the one. A top video, and doesn't look too difficult either.
Presume that this part will do the job:
MERCEDES STEERING DAMPER SHOCK ABSORBER 1244630432 NEW | eBay

 

[John Jones Jr]

Well, the culprit was a dead steering damper. Going to order the part and have a bash at replacing on a friend's driveway following a guide I found online.

Good to hear, it must have been really totally shagged. Just make sure that is the only issue.