Steering Problem!!
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
Steering Problem!!
Ok I searched and found nothing that could help me because I dont get any noise when I steer and I dont get any smoke from under the hood, this is my issue. When I am at a reasonable speed, over 15MPH, the steering isnt too bad and gets easier as speed increases. At slow speeds, like parking, I have to muscle the steering wheel around as if P/S isnt even there. The P/S pump is to the correct level and looks to be functioning properly but the steering says differently. Do you think it could maybe even be the rack and pinion?
I also have an ESP and SRS error which came around the same time as the steering issue. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
I also have an ESP and SRS error which came around the same time as the steering issue. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Please get an OBDII scanner & download Fault codes. Park you car on a nice smooth piece of cement and turn the wheels from lock to lock 5 times. This resets the steering sensor & fully bleeds the system. If any noise does occur after doing this at full lock then top up the fluid. If this problem persists after that it's likely the PS pump can't produce enough pressure & needs replacement.
Don't panic - do this & check the entire system for leaks - Especially where the hoses connect into the rack. Please make sure that the rack boots are not full of fluid - Sqeeze them to check. Have posted photos before.
Don't panic - do this & check the entire system for leaks - Especially where the hoses connect into the rack. Please make sure that the rack boots are not full of fluid - Sqeeze them to check. Have posted photos before.
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
Will do. Thanks Glyn and Frank. I have already looked into a DIY power steering pump change but wanted to get some insight into it first to see if I didnt have to. I know what pics your talking about too Glyn. Will update when I get the chance. Thanks again.
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
Forget the P/S pump change
Your vehilce sounds like it has speed sensitive steering. If you have a ESP fault relivant to either speed or steering then the speed sensitve steering switches to the minimum steering assistance level as a self protection against the possibility of excessive assistance at high speed (which is much more dangerous!)
Process your ESP fault codes before going anywhere near the steering pump!
Your vehilce sounds like it has speed sensitive steering. If you have a ESP fault relivant to either speed or steering then the speed sensitve steering switches to the minimum steering assistance level as a self protection against the possibility of excessive assistance at high speed (which is much more dangerous!)
Process your ESP fault codes before going anywhere near the steering pump!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Good advice if you have the parametric steering. It was not common in 2002 though.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 20, 2009 at 07:17 AM.
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
FML!!! The rack and pinion needs to be replaced!! Dealer wants $1600 for a refurbished rack and pinion!!! Not even brand new! God only knows what there gonna screw me over on with labor. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to buy the rack?? Thanks!
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From: VA
THE C350
Last edited by samaritrey; Sep 10, 2009 at 07:07 PM.
Super Moderator
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
How does the dealer know you need a new rack? Question the buggers. I have seen many racks replaced unnecessarily. If they leak internally or the bushes are shot then yes - but make them explain themselves. I'll believe a pump long before a rack. I think I prefer the NAPA pricing 
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Sep 11, 2009 at 07:19 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
They checked it out and said the pump is making more than enough pressure but the rack is the problem because of the internal valve that is supposed to ease steering because as of right now at a stop I cant turn the wheel yoke to yoke to save my life!! I think I may buy the one from NAPA and find an independent shop who works on Mercedes and go from there. I just dont want to pay that 1600 from the stealership!!
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
I got an SRS error which went away once the rack was replaced. I am going through a foreign auto shop who work on european cars and all that and they are giving me a good deal. As of right now the bill is at 1580 for a new rack and new p/s pump installed. They are good guys. Yeah I am in NY but I am upstate. Heading to LA on the 18th though and I am shipping the car out there so maybe someone can hook me up with a good Mercedes shop out there in case I need any other issues fixed down the road. Damn the W203s and all there problems haha!!
