Very Strange Steering Resistance Problem in w210
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: MD
E500
Very Strange Steering Resistance Problem in w210
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
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
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
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From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 410
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From: MD
E500
steering problem
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
D2benz, did you take it in to the dealership?
Does anyone else know what may be causing this problem?
Thanks
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
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.
+++
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.
+++
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
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From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
I hope I'm wrong...
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
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
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Thread Starter
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From: MD
E500
update
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)
(keeping my fingers crossed)
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: MD
E500
bad news
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.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
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From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
Try the flush...
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.
Good luck and please follow up so the rest of us know the outcome.
Thanks and enjoy the ride.
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 410
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From: MD
E500
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
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From: Malaysia
'92 R129 300SL-24, '01 W210 E240, '03 W220 S320, '02 745Li
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.
