Steering is making a popping noise
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 55
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From: morgantown, wv
c320 4matic
Steering is making a popping noise
Whenever I turn the wheel to the left it makes this like popping noise. I was wondering if anyone else would know what could cause this.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Check sway bushes and links for play - caster bushes for cracks - rack bolts for tightness. Unfortunately this is sometimes the rack itself (likely internal bushing). On Johnands car it required a rack replacement. Get under the car & listen while someone turns the steering & listen. (obviously make sure that PS fluid is topped off correctly - although low fluid causes a shreaking noise at full lock)
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
See Johnands thread from post No 128 - unfortunately there is a big chunk missing that we did via PM to diagnose.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...+popping+noise
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...+popping+noise
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 167
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I was getting a distinct popping noise when my sway bar linkage (might be called tie rods) broke. Basically this rod/linkage connects the front sway/stabilizer bar to the strut (or hub???) if i remember correctly. Anyway, get under your car and grab a hold of the different rods/bars/linkages and give 'em a good tug to see if they make a popping noise. Mine was really obvious. The linkage has a ball/socket which allows movement and unfortunately the socket part is cheap plastic that easily wears out/breaks. Its a pretty cheap and easy job to fix.
Sorry, I can't load MB's EPC right now so I'm unable to give you the MB verbiage and part number.
Also, as Glyn M Ruck said, it could very well be a bad castor or other bushing or even less likely a steering rack issue. Personally, I'd start with the linkage/tie rod cause the ball part of the rod going in and out of a bad socket really does make a distinct popping noise.
Good luck.
Sorry, I can't load MB's EPC right now so I'm unable to give you the MB verbiage and part number.
Also, as Glyn M Ruck said, it could very well be a bad castor or other bushing or even less likely a steering rack issue. Personally, I'd start with the linkage/tie rod cause the ball part of the rod going in and out of a bad socket really does make a distinct popping noise.
Good luck.
Last edited by govertime; Dec 10, 2009 at 04:40 PM.
