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Sticky turn signal stalk...

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Old Feb 21, 2004 | 05:22 PM
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Sticky turn signal stalk...

'01 C320 - when moving the turn signal stalk up or down, there is more than normal resistance and a rubbing noise. Can the mechanism be lubed or adjusted without removing the steering wheel? If so, how? I drove a loaner C240 and noticed right away how smooth and quiet it was compared to mine. It's amazing how often you use the turn signal in town, especially the "3 blink" feature.
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Old Sep 29, 2007 | 08:19 PM
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Same situation for me after 6 years. I'd like to lube the stalk also. Any helps appreciated.
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Old Sep 29, 2007 | 08:51 PM
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When I took my car in (under warranty) for the problem several years ago the SA went and brought back a mechanic with a can of spray lube. He put the tube in the steering column near the base of the stalk and gave it a squirt. Didn't help any. They replaced the stalk/mechanism. I started noticing a couple months ago that it's getting harder to push again. An easier fix than replacing it would certainly be appreciated.
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Old Oct 2, 2007 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by MB-BOB
Same situation for me after 6 years. I'd like to lube the stalk also. Any helps appreciated.
I cannot believe nobody jumped on this.
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Old Oct 3, 2007 | 06:19 AM
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Strangely enough, my turning stalk had the exact opposite problem. Was so loose it stopped holding the blinking positions, especially when turning to the right. Had to hold it by hand.

Had it swapped under warranty.
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Old Oct 26, 2007 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by RBrenton
I cannot believe nobody jumped on this.
Thanks for the back-handed bump. Here's a real one...
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 02:27 AM
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So...does anyone have any advice on this? My wife's C320 wagon has this exact problem.
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 02:30 AM
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Thanks for using the search function.

My turn signal stalk is pretty sticky "clunky" too..
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 04:57 AM
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Guys, check the front part of where your stalk meets the steering wheel column. There's a loose piece that slides into place. If that's loose, it may be causing the rubbing noise.

My cruise control was scraping too and that was my own DIY fix.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:03 AM
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Originally Posted by slammer111
Guys, check the front part of where your stalk meets the steering wheel column. There's a loose piece that slides into place. If that's loose, it may be causing the rubbing noise.

My cruise control was scraping too and that was my own DIY fix.
Nope not that part. It appears to be at the point where the stalk hinges.
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 05:55 PM
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Bump for science.
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 06:42 PM
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Tried WD-40?
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 09:10 PM
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mine has extra resistance too. makes a creaky noise when used
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 01:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Emin
Tried WD-40?
Yep, can't get to the joint.
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 02:50 AM
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Even with the straw thing?
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 09:42 PM
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wouldnt you want to use white lithium grease instead of wd40?
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by hanknum
Yep, can't get to the joint.
if you are going to clean it please take the steering wheel off first and take the column apart.

spraying wd-40 or any degreaser or grease into where there's live wire is
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by FrankW
if you are going to clean it please take the steering wheel off first and take the column apart.

spraying wd-40 or any degreaser or grease into where there's live wire is
Do you know how to take the column apart? Does it require removal of the S. wheel?
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 02:37 AM
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I wouldn't go blasting WD40 and White Lithium Grease into an area I am not familiar with how it works and how it should be lubricated....
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 06:11 AM
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Originally Posted by hanknum
Do you know how to take the column apart? Does it require removal of the S. wheel?
removing steering wheel should be in the DIY section.

there's two screws one on each side on the back which removes the airbag cover. one bolt for the steering wheel. and then go from there.
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