cardalums

I heard some weird noises when I was turning in a parking lot over the weekend. I had the steering wheel turned to max/lock (I don't recall which direction) and was moving forward then I heard some assortment of weird noises, which went away as I turned the steering wheel just a little back towards center. Not sure what the noise was I don't really want to attempt to reproduce. But, wanted to see if anyone had any experience with that.

I did a search and only found this: https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg...n-turning.html

2012c350

Do you have oversized tires? If so it could be inner fender rubbing. Also, have you checked your power steering fluid level? It might be a bit low.

cardalums

No oversized tires. My C300 is 100% stock and no AMG wheel pkg. I'll check the power steering fluids when I get a chance.

Benz-o-matic

I experience whining near lock, had my SA check it, and they told me that my fluid levels were fine/no air entrapment. I checked it myself and it looked fine, but its a ****ty dipstick and hard to read.

illlojik

A lot of cars do this sadly. It's the power steering pump under full load and the power steering fluid is low. Some are a lot louder than others. Rule of thumb is, you really aren't supposed to lock the steering wheel all the way, at least not for any extended period as you can enhance wear on the power steering pump. (very lil chance you'll ever need to on a regular). Check your fluid, top it off.
If you hear it under regular conditions...then you have an issue.

jctevere

Is it a whine that your are hearing (like an old fire-truck emergency siren), or is it a popping noise? If it is a whine, your power steering fluid is probably low - just add a bit (the dipstick is ****ty/hard to tell). If it is a popping noise, it could be your torque arm bearings popping / starting to go. Its a pretty common issue on the w204's.

cardalums

Thank for the tips. I'm not sure which noise. I suppose I'll have to replicate it and listen carefully, then report back.

Glyn M Ruck

Most common is as jct suggests. Aerated fluid whisteling through the pressure release valves. These systems are very level sensitive. Top up if low. Turn steering from lock to lock 5 times to prime & de-aerate - check level again.

cardalums

I was unable to reproduce any unusual sound with steering at lock. I normally avoid getting to that point anyway... However, with radio continually off now, I heard another weird sound. It sounds like a popping noise [like pa-pa-pa at around 2 or 3Hz frequency], when turning the steering wheel. Very intermittent. I've heard it 2-3 times in the last couple of days, but when I tried to record the sound, it never happened. Would this also match torque arm bearings popping / starting to go? If so, should I wait until it is not intermittent before going to dealer? I still have more than 2.5 years of warranty left.

Glyn M Ruck

Watch the caster bushes as you've mentioned & also the steering rack bushes.

C300BLK

Agree

LILBENZ230

The 203s with the 17" stock rims and stock tires would ever so slightly rub the tire on the front wheel well at full lock. The 204 might also do the same?