EClassBenz

Hey guys,
I've been experiencing a very strange steering problem in my 1996 e300d. When I'm on the road driving at normal speed I have no problems. But when I'm at a very slow speed (parking, maneuvering the car, going in reverse, etc), sometimes I meet extremely heavy resistance turning the wheel. I often need two hands to yank it in the right direction. I notice that it normally happens when the car is on an incline, but not always. Weather doesn't seem to be an issue either. It has become a huge hassle and I worry about something like this happening on the highway at a high rate of speed. Imagine having to swerve to avoid a collision and not being able to. Has anyone experienced this problem?

I should note that the power steering fluid is fine so its definitely not that.
Please advise
Thanks in advance

d2Benz

I just started experiencing the same problem within the last 2 weeks...occasionally though. Mine is a '96 E320 and yes the fluid level is fine on mine too.

EClassBenz

The car is going to my mechanic on Thursday to get the fluid flushed anyway, even though we are almost certain this is not the problem.

D2benz, did you take it in to the dealership?
Does anyone else know what may be causing this problem?
Thanks

dan_cobb

Assuming the fluid level is fine, is the tension on the drive belt correct? (Guessing here)
Without proper rotation of the pump, it cannot produce the 'power' that is required for near-effortless steering. This would make sense that you have to exert more force when motor is at idle or low RPM.

Perhaps the belt is slipping or the shaft/pulley is not functioning properly.
I am not familiar with the MBZ parts in question, but I have had similar problems on other cars in the past. The fluid level was fine but the belt was slipping.

Certainly worth looking into.
+++

d2Benz

Gotti, nope, not yet...I'll have my Mechanic check it out, but the only problem is that mine doesn't do it all the time, just occasionally.

gmacosta

same exact problem here...

Gregs210

I hate to even think this, but those are classic symptoms of a worn rack.

My fingers are crossed for all of you that a flush will fix it.

Good luck and let us know the result of the dealership visit.

Greg

EClassBenz

I just got the car back from the mechanic. He flushed he fluid and believe it or not, it drives a lot better. (I honestly don't remember the last time it was flushed-maybe never) However, since the symptoms that I described only appeared occasionally, I will have to wait and see....

(keeping my fingers crossed)

d2Benz

Gotti,
how much did the flusing cost you?
and what type of fluid was put in after flushing

EClassBenz

I'm experiencing the same symptoms again not even 2 days after getting the fluid flushed. I spoke with my mechanic and he doesn't think it's the steering rack-he claims it may be the pump. He told me that it poses no danger, but will just continue to be a nuisance. I'm going to take it to him in a few days to examine more closely.

michakaveli

I also have a similar situation with my '97 E300. It occurs exactly how you described it. I have a feeling that it is the pump not building up enough pressure initially. After you drive a little the problem dissapears.

I'm not worried about it as I see no leaks and my fluid level is fine.

Anotehr thing that I do have which I think is steering related is a surging of air type of sound that increases while making low speed sharp turns. The noise varies and is not perfectly consistent but I have a feeling that it might be related to the steering assembly, specifically the pump.

Anyone else hear this kind of a noise. This sound is consistent with RPMs.

Gregs210

If you read up in this thread you'll see that one of the guys had the steering fluid flushed and that cured his issue, which is great. I think your sound might be related to it pushing coagulated fluid through the steering system, which of course the flush would also resolve. At that age of vehicle I think that's what I'd do.

Good luck and please follow up so the rest of us know the outcome.

Thanks and enjoy the ride.

EClassBenz

Actually I was the one who had the fluid flushed. At first it drove better, but the next day the problem reappeared. I'm taking it back in for a closer look. My mechanic thinks its the pump but definitely not the rack

j0shua

I've had this issue for a while already. It happens for the first couple of minutes after starting up, especially in the mornings or if the car's been parked for a while, and i start moving immediately. I've always figured it to be normal, thinking the car needs a bit of time to warm up and all. This car has had belt issues though, but everything's working fine in that department and I still get the heavy steering.