roflmonster

Ok, so I feel incredibly terrible and I wish that tonight never happened. I drive a 2002 C320, btw. So I was out with a friend, spotted an empty parking lot...everything went downhill from here. So we roll up, all I said was hold on. Decided I would try and be "cool" and did a donut...both of us were super pumped, crazy smoke everywhere so the first thing that came to my mind was DIP!!! so im driving towards the exit but when I go to make a right hand turn I notice that it is INCREDIBLY difficult to turn the wheel, first thought...oh $%!#...I messed something up. So Im pretty much freaking out and I have no idea what I could have messed up. I think I bent something but it is SUPER hard to turn the wheel in both directions...any ideas what it could be? Im going to have to take it to the dealer but im just scurrred...ahhh
Im pretty much f***ed :crybaby2:
P.S.-I know what I did was stupid but I really dont want to get bashed for that right now, just help me figure out what the problem might be please, then bash.:crybaby2:

slammer111

Am I correct to say you did NOT hit something?

Is the CEL on, or are there any warnings? I remember my car acting funny after doing a bunch of donuts as well back in tha day. Had to switch the ignition a few times before the CEL disappeared.

Glyn M Ruck

The ESP etc. might need a few reboots. Make sure you have not broken the Accessory Poly V belt. Sounds like the power steering is out. You might also have ruptured a PS hose or similar. Stop driving like a dick! No further bashing until we help you fix this thing. - Good Luck

BlackLiquorish8

hmm maybe try to read up on restarting the car by disconnecting the battery... but before you do this do a search b/c its tricky g luck

SickSpeedMonte

Look under the car for any power steering fluid and listen to the pump while the car idles.

Glyn M Ruck

Don't disconnect the battery without a quiescent power device.

roflmonster

I did NOT hit anything. No CEL or any warnings.
I dont think I broke the belt, or the hose because there isnt a leak or fluid on the floor. Thanks for no bashing until I fix the problem =)

Glyn M Ruck

Well, from what you explain you have no power steering - What's next - Check that there is fluid in the PS please. Is the PS pump making a noise???

roflmonster

I checked the fluid and it was at the Cold MIN, as shown below(generic picture)

SeaCoupe

Sorry guys, I'm calling BS on this.

Pics of you eating a moon pie, holding a sign that says roflmonster, while in the trunk in order to get help from me.

SickSpeedMonte

Run the car at idle and listen to the pump. Have someone turn the steering wheel and listen too. Is it whining more than usual?

roflmonster

Why would this be BS? I don't understand why I would fake a problem I have with my car?

kOMPRESSEDc230

ScottW911

Ed uses that on everyone now. Don't take it personally.

I'm just surprised he did not ask that you wore a bikini with that moon pie.

Glyn M Ruck

Please do me a favour & do a crude bleeding proceedure on the PS. Turn the wheels from full left lock to full right lock 5 times. Recheck the fluid level, look for air bubbles in the fluid. Report any strange whining or sqealing noises. Please check the Poly V belt & make sure it is fully tensioned.

Glyn M Ruck

Ed has not called you "cupcake" yet so smile & let's fix your car.

roflmonster

I wouldve been more comfortable in a bikini! lol jk!!
Hahaha cupcake, thats cute...
Ok, I'll do that now.

roflmonster

Ok, so I did what you said, and the fluid level was still at the Min. line, there was two tiny air bubbles though. Im not sure where the Poly V belt is, all i see is the Serpentine belt, help? There wasnt a squeling or whining noise, but it sounded like the pump was being forced and it seemed stuck. There was definitely a noise though, i just dont know how to explain it.

Glyn M Ruck

The Poly V belt is what Benz call the serpentine belt. I think your PS pump has failed or has a pressure relief valve stuck wide open. Afraid it sounds like a new pump as long as the belt is driving it at present. Make sure the PS pump pulley is spinning.

The only other problem cound be a semi seized steering rack that the PS pump can't overcome. This is unlikely.

roflmonster

Oh okay, yeah the belt seems fine. The PS pulley was spinning. If i bought the PS pump, could I install it myself? or is it too difficult?

Glyn M Ruck

You can do it yourself with patience. If this worries you - take it to an Indy shop. Stay away from the dealer.

roflmonster

I think I could do it. The only problem is my mom, she want's me to take it to the dealer. So I think that Im just gonna take it, and see what they say, if not I'll take it to a indy shop or do it myself.

BlkBenz8

Haha, this same exact thing happened to me. The steering wheel starts to feel more movable when you pick up speed right? You messed up your power steering. I had to get a complete new set up or some sh*t. It was really hard explaining to the dealer how i messed it up. I told him that i turned the wheel too much then it started to feel weird. Good luck with your car, hopefully you learned your lesson. Next time take the ESP off or put it in Dyno mode and dont steer your wheels all the way to one side.

mleskovar

Lift both the front wheels off the ground at the same time (there's a central jacking point front/center) and grab a wheel and try to change the steering angle. It should resist at first but once moving should continue until a stop/lock is met. You should be able to do this easily from steering lock to lock. If it passes this test it's probably the steering assist/power steering mechanism.

shivi1345

you didnt turn the ESP off when you wanted to do donuts?