brumma

I have noticed a problem with the steering on my G550. If I am pulling out of a parking spot, for example, while I am stationary and I turn the steering wheel to the right it reaches a certain point where there is a great deal of resistance and I cannot turn it enough to reach full lock. If I begin to let the car move I am then able to turn the wheel the remainder of the way to full lock. If I then switch from reverse to forward gear, I can feel a definite detente in the steering wheel movement--almost as if it is stuck to the right and will not turn smoothly. This behavior is definitely unidirectional and doesn't happen when turning left. Any suggestions? I'd like have some idea when I take it in this week to have some other work done.

Thanks,

-Christopher

salayc

No suggestion, but mine does that too. Forgot to ask the dealer about it.

smac8876

First, always try to not turn the steering wheel until you are moving. Secondly, it's possible you have air in your power steering line. I'd bleed the line and make sure there is no air in it.

ywallace

Hello,

Did you found what was the problem?

I have exactly the same problem and it drives me crazy.

Thank you

salayc

They're replacing the rack.

ywallace

For my case I started with a wheel alignement but it didn't solve the problem. Then I changed the steering box. It also didn't succeed.

I removed the steering shock. But it's exactly the same.

Since the steering reacts when we let the car go back a little bit I'm thinking about a cv joint issue in one of the sides. But I'm really not sure.

One question : is your steering box leaking ?

salayc

Not as far as I know.

brumma

In my case the steering box did not appear to be leaking. The dealership stated that this performance was 'normal' for the G-class. However, they did replace the steering shock under warranty, which leads me to believe there is some sort of issue that they do not know how to resolve. Of course this did not remedy the problem. I recently moved to Houston and plan to try again with the dealership here.

-Christopher

salayc

Take the service manager for a ride, that's what I did. Try some parallel parking and see what happens. There's no way locking when parallel parking is "normal" and they won't be able to deny it if they're in the car with you.
Then take the service manager for a test drive in a new G from their lot to compare.

ywallace

Today I went to see a second hand G-Class dealer. He tried to have a look at my problem with me but we couldn't find the solution.
For him I have to start by changing again the steering box...and see.

ywallace

Man I found the problem! Forget about the steering box and everything.
The ball joints are too much inserted in the tie rod arm. Which makes the tie rod arm too short.
So the pitman arm can't push the right wheel enough to the right even if it's in it maximum.

They probably changed the ball joints of the tie arms and inserted too far.
I don't know if I'm clear...
If you need anymore explanations don't hesitate. For me it succeeded...I just need now the right measure (how far those ball joint have to be inserted) to get the steering amplitude centered...

Grts,

myfirstg500

Can you take picture of what you are talking about? Might be easier visually.
Thanks!

ywallace

Here are some home made illustrations with the pictures of what I am talking about.

I have to add that the point where there is a great deal of resistance is the maximum for the steering box. We would have the same while turning on the left if the wheel didn't reach its stop. This point should normally not be passed. If the tie rod is extended we reach the full lock before reach this point.

+ there is a screw in the steering box to set the steering pump stop. It allows to increase the amplitude angle of the pit arm. Which has as consequence to push and pull the wheel further. I also had to set this in my case.

Best regards