likerage

My car has been doing this since day one. If I am backing out of a space turning the wheel tight and start to move forward as im straightening out the wheels, the steering wheel vibrates. Its relatively strong, stronger than the feedback I get from the lane assist. It also happens if im doing a U turn and straightening out after the turn is accomplished.

I drive a C450, so im not sure if the odd 4-matic may have something to do with it. It doesn't feel like wheel rub and I haven't seen any marks indicating any rubbing is occurring.


Thanks in advance for any help.

ManiacGT

Does it do this on all hard surfaces? Could just be the natural alignment issue that occurs on tight lock. Most cars do that, if it's the same thing.

z28lt1

My C450 actually does this as well,and was debating if to talk to the dealer about it.

I've driven lots of cars, and never had this, I don't believe it is "natural alignment" as it feels as if the electric assist and or lane vibration has gone a little wacky...

AP E63

Same things happens with my C450..

likerage

All surfaces.

likerage

Thats interesting.

charliebear

woah. I actually had this happen this weekend at 3k miles. It happens not all the time but when I turn, U turn, or even regular left turns. It vibrates like something to deal with the 4matic. That's my wild guess.

I got a appointment tomorrow about it and will drive around and see if I can even replicate it to the service advisor. As well as taking care of the squeaking brakes when braking to a stop.

StanNH

It's called the Ackerman Effect and is very common with low profile tires. They just tend to scrub or stutter during low speed turning.

charliebear

Ok. But is there anything that can stop that. Just feels odd and never had that happen in other 4wd cars.

Can the dealership donanything about it. Or it's just the way it is.

likerage

You're misunderstanding the issue. The car can be nearly sitting still. Its during the process of straightening the wheel that this occurs. Its not during the turn. Ive had plenty of low pro tires on plenty of all wheel cars and never felt anything like this.

gtron8

I could be wrong but I seem to read about these type of things a lot especially with the C450s.

Here is the last similar thread I read. Is it similar to what this person is trying to describe:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...d-reverse.html

It's not exactly as described but if I'm moving forward with the wheels turned and then put it in reverse and begin to back into a parking spot I can notice an obvious grabbing or vibration for a short time as if the computer is trying to adjust something.

My last Porsche acted up when making u-turns. That thing sounded like the wheel was going to fall off but was told by forums and techs that it was normal. I thought this was something like that... off but "normal" so I've ignored it. Especially because I keep seeing it come up.

charliebear

No. I do understand it bc I am driving it!

The issue is that it vibrates when straightening out, correct. Now, driving other 4wd, it does not do this. The question is does this happen to other 4matics or just for the c450.

It recently happens more often in my case, which I never felt for the last 3k miles of owning it.

I would like others to chime in their mileage as well when they started to feel the vibration.

Car is going to be looked at today, we'll see what they say.

likerage

Im sorry, I thought you were writing it off as normal AWD wheel chatter.

charliebear

Nah, that's my bad. I read your reply thinking it was towards me but it was to another user.

Regardless, I'll get you guys an update. I will assume "that's how it should be." kind of response from the SA, but he's very nice and friendly so we'll see.

likerage

Anything?

charliebear

Just got a call. 2nd day its been chillin' (backed up from other cars). Good thing I have a loaner! I also have it being in for squeaky brakes when braking to a stop.

cptobvious64

well that much I can say it's probably just breaking in the brake pads! Is it a young car?

The rattle sounds ugly, I would definitely get it checked out.

likerage

Still no word?

mrintoul

I took my car to the dealer for this and its apart of the steer assist program

charliebear

So any fixes or is that just how it is?

I'm still backed up and the new brake pads aren't going in until Monday. Told SA what's the update but the tech hasn't driven it yet.

flagman

I have not felt this on my C450, but I've only driven it 220 km so far. But this is my 3rd 4matic. I never experienced anything like this on my 2009 C350 or 2012 C350. So I don't think it's a normal characteristic of 4matics.

likerage

Yeah I call BS. The passenger can even feel/hear it. I sure hope they didn't tell you this is normal.

InTheBenz0

My car is 1 day old, and it did it as soon as I drove it out of the dealer lot. I park in a garage at work and same thing there today.

With that many cars doing this it has to be normal I would think. I will say I never had it on any other 4matic benz, or any other competitor (335, Lexus IS/RC, etc).

With all the new gadgets maybe the dealer who said it was part of the steering assist (some electronic feature) it does it. The car has so many nannies/gadgets I wouldn't be surprised. Only happens at super slow speeds on moderate to hard turns.

charliebear

So, I just got word that the steering rack needs to be replaced, but the part is in Germany. No timeline. It is a safety item, that I can't drive the car until the part comes in and installed.

Unless I sign a release to drive it, but it can be 7days-weeks! I'll be driving the loaner until then.

Like I said 3,000 miles on the car.

likerage

Ok, that sounds right. I'll be dropping off my car this week. I'll push for the nicest loaner I can get if im going to be in it for that long.

What did you end up getting?