GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

Steering

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Old 11-02-2011, 05:19 PM
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Red GLK350, blue '87 Toyota Land Cruiser
Steering

Is it a "Mercedes thing" that the steering wheel does not spin back to center after a right angle turn like every other car I've ever driven does going back to a 1939 Ford? If I let it go it will continue to turn. Tire pressure is about 35.
Old 11-02-2011, 06:43 PM
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Again, please you new guys... use the search forum section to find topics.... this topic is well known here and has been discussed since late 2009. Yes the steering on the GLK sucks. It doesn't self center because of poor engineering geometry, however it's worse on the those models with 4 Matic and the 20" wheel option.

Last edited by MBRedux; 11-02-2011 at 08:46 PM.
Old 11-02-2011, 07:11 PM
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Now I find out. All the more reason for the GLK to arrive with 17" wheels.
Wayne
Old 11-02-2011, 08:52 PM
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The more I find out about this "world class" vehicle I bought the more the name YUGO comes to mind.
So OK, I went to Search This Forum, typed "Steering" and it returned every post about everything under the sun except steering. Did MB design this website also?

Last edited by 420tee; 11-02-2011 at 08:57 PM.
Old 11-02-2011, 09:08 PM
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You should just sell it - it sucks and you will never be happy with a sub-standard vehicle. Sell it now before it depreciates more and you're stuck with it. It's all about what makes you/us happy. I know I wouldn't want to hang on to something that constantly disappoints and b*tch about all the time.

Originally Posted by 420tee
The more I find out about this "world class" vehicle I bought the more the name YUGO comes to mind.
So OK, I went to Search This Forum, typed "Steering" and it returned every post about everything under the sun except steering. Did MB design this website also?
Old 11-02-2011, 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 420tee
The more I find out about this "world class" vehicle I bought the more the name YUGO comes to mind.
So OK, I went to Search This Forum, typed "Steering" and it returned every post about everything under the sun except steering. Did MB design this website also?
You see I drive this most of the time...



.... and I bought my wife the GLK... which we both drive and enjoy. It's been great... we love it!

After the GT-R, any car, and I mean any car will be a disappointment. So when I say the steering on the GLK sucks, consider what I am comparing it to... The steering is fine for what it is... You should give it another chance. It's a SUV for Pete's sake, not a GT-R or an AMG.... enjoy it. Sounds to me that you want out anyways, and will find anything to support your hatred of the car so........



Originally Posted by emdem
You should just sell it - it sucks and you will never be happy with a sub-standard vehicle. Sell it now before it depreciates more and you're stuck with it. It's all about what makes you/us happy. I know I wouldn't want to hang on to something that constantly disappoints and b*tch about all the time.

......... I fully concur with emdem ^ .... stop crying and get rid of it. Bye bye...
Old 11-02-2011, 09:58 PM
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I love your GT-R!!! Hopefully someday I can get one of those

Originally Posted by MBRedux
You see I drive this most of the time...



.... and I bought my wife the GLK... which we both drive and enjoy. It's been great... we love it!

After the GT-R, any car, and I mean any car will be a disappointment. So when I say the steering on the GLK sucks, consider what I am comparing it to... The steering is fine for what it is... You should give it another chance. It's a SUV for Pete's sake, not a GT-R or an AMG.... enjoy it. Sounds to me that you want out anyways, and will find anything to support your hatred of the car so........






......... I fully concur with emdem ^ .... stop crying and get rid of it. Bye bye...
Old 11-02-2011, 10:17 PM
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Holy crap that's hot!
Old 11-02-2011, 10:53 PM
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We don't expect a GT-R. We do expect precise steering, reliable braking, an A/C system that does not grow mold & mildew, rattle & bang free body structure, fireproof ignition system ... did I forget anything? Oh, parts installed according to the order form.
That isn't too much to ask, is it?

Wayne
Signing off before this place drives me crazy.
Old 11-03-2011, 03:22 AM
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Sell it! I never had any of those problems. Oops - yours is still on order... good luck with that...
Old 11-03-2011, 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by venchka
We don't expect a GT-R. We do expect precise steering, reliable braking, an A/C system that does not grow mold & mildew, rattle & bang free body structure, fireproof ignition system ... did I forget anything? Oh, parts installed according to the order form.
That isn't too much to ask, is it?

Wayne
Signing off before this place drives me crazy.
Exactly.
Old 11-03-2011, 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by 420tee
Exactly.
Cut bait.
Old 11-03-2011, 08:42 AM
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Cool

Originally Posted by emdem
Sell it! I never had any of those problems. Oops - yours is still on order... good luck with that...
I can only hope that I get a good one.

Wayne
Old 11-03-2011, 02:16 PM
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All MB's should self-center. Its an alignment thing, not a MB thing. The problem is that your steering angle (see atached) is wrong. The camber adjustment on strut cars is based on perfect body alingment due to its being a monocoque design. MB knows this and actually has a special bolt for the dealer to install in cases like yours where the normal adjustment won't make up for the body build tollerance. (also see attached). You are not really adjusting camber but steering angle. However, the two are interdependent and steering angle is what makes the car come back to straight. Get the thing aligned correctly. If your dealer can't do it, again, find one that can and will!
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
steering.pdf (212.2 KB, 206 views)
Old 11-03-2011, 02:41 PM
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Thank you! Very useful to know.
Old 11-03-2011, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bop11
All MB's should self-center. Its an alignment thing, not a MB thing. The problem is that your steering angle (see atached) is wrong. The camber adjustment on strut cars is based on perfect body alingment due to its being a monocoque design. MB knows this and actually has a special bolt for the dealer to install in cases like yours where the normal adjustment won't make up for the body build tollerance. (also see attached). You are not really adjusting camber but steering angle. However, the two are interdependent and steering angle is what makes the car come back to straight. Get the thing aligned correctly. If your dealer can't do it, again, find one that can and will!
Thanks for the heads up but God knows I've tried. I have done it all with only a slight improvement. Not only did the GLK go back a few days after I bought the car, I have had it in my own shop (we're a NISMO tuner) several times as well.... the alignment, caster - steering axis/angle, toe and camber are dead on. (We own a Hunter Hawkeye/ProAlign system.) Those repair bolts are only needed if the car has been in a minor front end collision and after its been repaired it still needs a little more adjustment than usual.

After an exhaustive attempt to correct this issue, we have concluded that it must be an geometric/engineering flaw that not even an advanced wheel alignment technique can solve. We only noticed a slight improvement.
Old 11-03-2011, 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by icool007
I love your GT-R!!! Hopefully someday I can get one of those
Thanks! It is a spectacular car and the secret envy of many automakers.

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