Steering Wheel Loose..
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Steering Wheel Loose..
Noticed this recently.
Steering wheel feels loose and there is an audible 'knock' when I wobble it from side to side. The wheels don't even turn that's how little I have to wobble the steering wheel to replicate this sound.
This has nothing to do with any suspension components... tie-rods are fine, top plates are good. It has to do with something in the steering column....
Is there some sort of U-Joint or any other piece that needs tightening in the steering column? This is getting annoying.
I'll try and get a video.
Steering wheel feels loose and there is an audible 'knock' when I wobble it from side to side. The wheels don't even turn that's how little I have to wobble the steering wheel to replicate this sound.
This has nothing to do with any suspension components... tie-rods are fine, top plates are good. It has to do with something in the steering column....
Is there some sort of U-Joint or any other piece that needs tightening in the steering column? This is getting annoying.
I'll try and get a video.
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glhansenjr (05-06-2020)
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
I had the same problem. Dealership replaced my steering column under warranty, the joint was loose. Not sure if the joint can be tightened separately.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just to be clear, you mean it feels like you can jiggle or shake the actual wheel a little, or it feels like theres play in the wheel when you rotate it?
If its the former you can tighten the wheel. There are 4 screws on the back of the wheel so you can take off the airbag in the centre of the wheel. It is possible to remove the airbag without disconnecting it, and then you can tighten that main nut.
Pro Tip. Disconnect battery for 30 minutes first. You obviously don't want the bag going off but if you do disconnect it, and reconnect it, you will get an error code only a dealer can remove. There are a couple of steering wheel DIYs on here. I replaced one.
If its the former you can tighten the wheel. There are 4 screws on the back of the wheel so you can take off the airbag in the centre of the wheel. It is possible to remove the airbag without disconnecting it, and then you can tighten that main nut.
Pro Tip. Disconnect battery for 30 minutes first. You obviously don't want the bag going off but if you do disconnect it, and reconnect it, you will get an error code only a dealer can remove. There are a couple of steering wheel DIYs on here. I replaced one.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Let me be a little more clear. The steering wheel itself is not loose... it just sounds like it.
I'll be uploading some videos in a few mins to help diagnose this issue.
I removed the panel near the pedals and the sound is coming from the steering column knuckle it seems....
I'll be uploading some videos in a few mins to help diagnose this issue.
I removed the panel near the pedals and the sound is coming from the steering column knuckle it seems....
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Robz82 (10-19-2021)
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#8
Junior Member
The following users liked this post:
glhansenjr (05-06-2020)
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Robz82 (10-19-2021)
#10
Super Member
I solved this (although not as bad as in the video) by tightening the bolt at the joint between the steering column and steering rack. The bolt was not loose, but tightening it more (without overdoing it..) solved it for me
#11
#13
Got it thank you. I have done it yesterday it is so much better. Strangely thou, when that part is out... It doesn't feels like it is damage or worn out. But oh well changing it fixed the issue. Thanks for the response.
Still have a little sound could be the bushing the rack bushing from what I read in the forum. Thanks a million.
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glhansenjr (05-06-2020)
#15
Junior Member
Hey Jun,
Got it thank you. I have done it yesterday it is so much better. Strangely thou, when that part is out... It doesn't feels like it is damage or worn out. But oh well changing it fixed the issue. Thanks for the response.
Still have a little sound could be the bushing the rack bushing from what I read in the forum. Thanks a million.
Got it thank you. I have done it yesterday it is so much better. Strangely thou, when that part is out... It doesn't feels like it is damage or worn out. But oh well changing it fixed the issue. Thanks for the response.
Still have a little sound could be the bushing the rack bushing from what I read in the forum. Thanks a million.
#16
Super Member
I'm beginning to get that knocking noise on the steering wheel but its not as loud as the OP's. It is getting a bit annoying and I got the dealership to tighten it up and the noise has somewhat reduced. The car's steering is also off-centered and as a result has a stronger pull to the left. Beginning to think I should get that part replaced (car is definitely out of warranty now!).
Would anyone have the part number of part mentioned above?
Many thanks!
Would anyone have the part number of part mentioned above?
Many thanks!
#18
May have found the answer to my question, PN#2044620278
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/2044620278/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/2044620278/
#19
May have found the answer to my question, PN#2044620278
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/2044620278/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/2044620278/
That's not the right one. I will have to see if I have it laying around somewhere and if I can find it, I will report back with the part number.
#20
Junior Member
Hey just wondering. Were you able to get the correct part number for the part you replaced on the steering column? It will help us a ton! Thanks!
#22
Member
Same issue. I took my 2009 C63 in for the factory recall airbag issue. When I picked it up, I immediately noticed the steering wheel knocked (exactly like the video above).
On the drive home, the steering wheel felt loose, it was off, like there was desensitized from feeling the road. Feels like crap around turns, U-turns (squeaks now).
If I go 65 or 75 on the freeway, you can hold the steering wheel in the same spot but you feel the vehicle wiggle.
Dealership refuses to fix it or admit fault. I think I like the term that I've been seeing, "stealership"...
On the drive home, the steering wheel felt loose, it was off, like there was desensitized from feeling the road. Feels like crap around turns, U-turns (squeaks now).
If I go 65 or 75 on the freeway, you can hold the steering wheel in the same spot but you feel the vehicle wiggle.
Dealership refuses to fix it or admit fault. I think I like the term that I've been seeing, "stealership"...
#23
Sorry to resurrect this post, but did we determine the issue was the coupling from the steering shaft to the rack? I am having the same issue as well. Steering wheel sounds just like in the video. Not sure when it started as I recently got the vehicle used, 09 C300. It appears this may be the part?
https://mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
https://mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D
The following users liked this post:
Robz82 (10-19-2021)