Steering grinding noise in cold weather
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
2003 C320
Steering grinding noise in cold weather
I have a 2003 C320 with 145000km on it. Since last winter, the steering has been making grinding noise at very cold weather, doesn't matter which direction you turn. It doesn't make any noise when the temperature is above -5C or so. When the temperature goes below that, the steering starts making that noise. The colder it goes, the more obvious the noise. I would say when you need to make a 90 degree turn (e.g,. getting into/out of a parking spot), it starts to make that noise.
The steering fluid level is normal and stable for the last 2 years. There doesn't seem to be any leakage. Any idea what might be causing the problem?
Thanks.
The steering fluid level is normal and stable for the last 2 years. There doesn't seem to be any leakage. Any idea what might be causing the problem?
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
I have a 2003 C320 with 145000km on it. Since last winter, the steering has been making grinding noise at very cold weather, doesn't matter which direction you turn. It doesn't make any noise when the temperature is above -5C or so. When the temperature goes below that, the steering starts making that noise. The colder it goes, the more obvious the noise. I would say when you need to make a 90 degree turn (e.g,. getting into/out of a parking spot), it starts to make that noise.
The steering fluid level is normal and stable for the last 2 years. There doesn't seem to be any leakage. Any idea what might be causing the problem?
Thanks.
The steering fluid level is normal and stable for the last 2 years. There doesn't seem to be any leakage. Any idea what might be causing the problem?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
2003 C320
Thank you for the information. I've never changed the fluid. 3 years ago the steering was making some noise (not this type of grinding noise) when I turned the steering fast. The dealer found out the steering fluid was very low. I got a bottle of steering fluid from the dealer and topped it up. So I would say part of the fluid is 10 years old and part is 3 years old. I'd try to flush and refill it to see if it helps. It's frigid out there and I'll try the flush when it's a little warmer.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 174
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From: Mississauga, Canada
2003 CL203 C320, 2002 W208 CLK320 cabriolet, 2012 A207 E350 cabriolet, 2011 X204 GLK350 4matic
Well theoretically power steering fluid never needs to be changed (though sometimes some seals wear and crack, allowing air into the system and spoils the fluid). I'd make the assumption that your fluid is leaking. Definitely check the level first. If it doesn't look like there is much fluid in the reservoir, then you're definitely leaking. Check all hoses and connections.
Though sometimes it could just be a simple fluid change. Though I'd worry about leaks first.
Though sometimes it could just be a simple fluid change. Though I'd worry about leaks first.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
2003 C320
That's what the dealer said 3 years ago. You shouldn't need to add power steering fluid so they said there must be a leakage. I topped up the reservoir as a short-term remedy at that time. I planned to get the leakage fix later but the fluid level has been staying there for the last three years. So I didn't bother. It doesn't appear there's any leakage. But why did the level went low in the first place? This is rather puzzling. Everything is normal except when it gets very cold.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
have you checked the strut bearings? I had a bad right one and would make lots of creaking noise when the temp was below -5c
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
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2003 C320
Thanks, Boom Vang. I looked up youtube about bad strut tower bearing, and the noise is exactly like that. Look at
, skip to about 45s when the guy starts turning the steering with the car jacked up. If you have also experienced the same with yours, I am very convinced that's the cause of the problem. How much does it cost you to replace? I am also in Toronto.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
I bought the bearings in the US they are $63 ea but here they are $130, It cost me about $75 to install
Mine sounded like the one in the video
Mine sounded like the one in the video
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
2003 C320
Thanks, Boom Vang.
Talking about fluid flush, now that my car has 145000km on it, what should I consider flushing? Coolant, transmission? What else? I seem to hear different thought about the need of steering fluid flushing.
Talking about fluid flush, now that my car has 145000km on it, what should I consider flushing? Coolant, transmission? What else? I seem to hear different thought about the need of steering fluid flushing.
