steering wobbles on uneven pavement
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
steering wobbles on uneven pavement
It seems like the car has a mind of its own on uneven surface. It wants to pull to the side without any steering input, it can be quite scary :/
I did my lca bushings, drag link, steering shock, and alignment not even 20k miles ago. Is it already time for maintenance or is there something else that i could replace?
I did my lca bushings, drag link, steering shock, and alignment not even 20k miles ago. Is it already time for maintenance or is there something else that i could replace?
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+1 with Dennis,
Also steering idler bush or drag link alignment, could do that..!
Attachment 290909
Attachment 290910
ZAYED,,
Also steering idler bush or drag link alignment, could do that..!
Attachment 290909
Attachment 290910
ZAYED,,
car must be a really high milege if those 2 parts are worn out?
best thing is to check alignment again if it's within specs?
when a steering wheel is turning sides, it's either uneven pavement, low tire pressure, you hit a curb/pothole in high speed, broken front suspension part or finally wrong alignment
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
I would have gone for the steering shock, but if that's been done recently, guess it must be something else. Sorry I have no idea for the moment.
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after i had changed this shock, i had a different feel which i didn't like at first!
it took me some time to get used to the new steering wheel feel with more resistance.
when i bought my car i first thought mercedes steering feel was cuze cruiser style not BMW sharp
Last edited by KJI3jflarryfe93; Jul 11, 2014 at 04:39 PM.
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From: Ocala, Fl
1996 C36 AMG and 1999 BMW e46
By the way, CarQuest had a Lemforder bushing in stock for $27. Mine had your same symptoms before hand. Get the front end up and check the lateral play in the wheels while someone else watches from underneath for areas of movement. $10 says it's the idler arm bushing.
Edit. Don't used the supplied Lemforder bolt if it has a completely threaded shank. The factory bolt should have about 2/3 smooth shank for a tight fit into the inner sleeve of the bushing.
Last edited by Twichel04; Jul 11, 2014 at 10:39 PM.
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
Does it feel like the steering is wondering, the whole car is wondering or more like the rear end is wondering?
What you've done so far is the usual suspects. If the front is still wondering then i'd try another set of tyres if you can borrow 2 wheels for an hour from a similar vehicle (another W202 or a w208 or W210, they don't have to be the same size as what you have now).
If it's wondering in the back end then I'd look and the thrust/torque arm bushes, if they're ok then rear wheel alignment may be out of spec.
What you've done so far is the usual suspects. If the front is still wondering then i'd try another set of tyres if you can borrow 2 wheels for an hour from a similar vehicle (another W202 or a w208 or W210, they don't have to be the same size as what you have now).
If it's wondering in the back end then I'd look and the thrust/torque arm bushes, if they're ok then rear wheel alignment may be out of spec.
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
I replaced the idler arm bushing and the biggest difference i notice is the play in the steering wheel. Its a lot more tight than it used to be.
The car doesnt wonder as much but its still there.
The car doesnt wonder as much but its still there.
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Thanks everyone for input
I would recommend replacing this little bushing if you havent done it already. Really noticeable difference in steering. I have confidence in cornering again
I do have a feeling my tire pressure is too high in front after having to take off the rims.
What do you guys normally run on 18s
I would recommend replacing this little bushing if you havent done it already. Really noticeable difference in steering. I have confidence in cornering again
I do have a feeling my tire pressure is too high in front after having to take off the rims.
What do you guys normally run on 18s
Last edited by PJmak; Jul 16, 2014 at 11:52 AM.
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,053
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
Aside note:
our steering pump is 115 bar, some of late models W203/W209/W163/W211/W463, uses 120 bar & 127 bar,,
better to go with newer's isn't..!-?-!
& 
ZAYED,,
our steering pump is 115 bar, some of late models W203/W209/W163/W211/W463, uses 120 bar & 127 bar,,
better to go with newer's isn't..!-?-!
& 
ZAYED,,
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From: Del Rio, TX
98 C43,99 gsxr 750
Check you lower ball joints. I've replaced a lot in fords due to the same concern. My car even tends to follow "the uneven path" right now due to my front right being worn out. Just haven't had time to get to it :/
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From: Oregon
'97 c36
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From: Mizzou
1998 C43 AMG
Have you been able to get the car up on a lift and check the entire suspension front to back? It sounds like you've done a hell of a job doing all the normal maintenance items, maybe it's something unusual like a sheared frame mount or cracked spring mount?
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From: Oregon
'97 c36
Also I tried it on the car and it is very difficult with out a lot of removal of parts to do a good job. If you try it I suggest a ratchet wrench that has adjustable angles. It's a real pain in the rear to try to get the jam nut loose and not slip the adjuster. In the long run I ended up just swapping the box for a rebuilt one during a front end rebuild.
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From: Oregon
'97 c36
Stole this picture from the internet. But this is the adjuster nut your after. To really do it right and precise the intake manifold should be removed but that's my two cents. Take a flash light and take a look under the manifold, your steering box is bolted to drivers side frame. You'll see the jam nut and sector shaft adjuster on top.
Last edited by Super B; Aug 6, 2014 at 02:53 AM.
