Heavy Steering?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
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Heavy Steering?
Hello...
I have a 99 E320 4Matic. I put her up for sale and several of the prospective buyers have complained that they thought it was too hard to steer. At a standstill, I can turn the wheel stop to stop with one hand using medium effort. It tracks well on the road and once you start moving it steers effortlessly. I don't have any steering pump noise or leaks anywhere!
A person who was interested in buying the wagon took it to an independent MB shop and he was told the steering rack needed to be replaced. He quoted $3K + for the replacement, which is for a brand new rack. My question is, what constitutes the need for a new steering rack? Within specs, how hard should the steering be at a standstill?
The vehicle has $133K miles. The tires are wearing perfectly even. They are stock size and profile with absolutely no suspension mods.
????
I have a 99 E320 4Matic. I put her up for sale and several of the prospective buyers have complained that they thought it was too hard to steer. At a standstill, I can turn the wheel stop to stop with one hand using medium effort. It tracks well on the road and once you start moving it steers effortlessly. I don't have any steering pump noise or leaks anywhere!
A person who was interested in buying the wagon took it to an independent MB shop and he was told the steering rack needed to be replaced. He quoted $3K + for the replacement, which is for a brand new rack. My question is, what constitutes the need for a new steering rack? Within specs, how hard should the steering be at a standstill?
The vehicle has $133K miles. The tires are wearing perfectly even. They are stock size and profile with absolutely no suspension mods.
????
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20
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From: San Jose, CA
1999 E320 4matic Wagon
Heavy Steering
Bear in mind the buyer is going to try to make Everything look wrong or worn out. If it as you say, it is probably OK. My E320 4matic wagon steers differently, (heavier) than my 84 Peugeot STI TD, but is is normal for the MBZ.
My 95 E320 Wagon was lighter, but it had smaller tires.
If the rack doesn't leak, then it is likely just fine.
My 95 E320 Wagon was lighter, but it had smaller tires.
If the rack doesn't leak, then it is likely just fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
I believe the 4 matic cars have slightly heavier steering. My 430 4matic certainly requires much more effort than the non 4matic car I drove. I think the 00 up also have slightly heavier steering than the early models.
Might be due to tire size, tire pressure, condition of the fluid, etc.
I am going to end up replacing my rack this winter (when the squeek drives me nuts), so I'll see if the new rack gives a lighter steering feel.
fwiw, the 4 matic and non 4 matic racks have different part numbers, and do not appear to be interchangeable.
Might be due to tire size, tire pressure, condition of the fluid, etc.
I am going to end up replacing my rack this winter (when the squeek drives me nuts), so I'll see if the new rack gives a lighter steering feel.
fwiw, the 4 matic and non 4 matic racks have different part numbers, and do not appear to be interchangeable.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 43
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From: West Des Moines, Iowa
'97 E320
I registered just to respond to this thread...
...and, I'm not surprised people are complaining about heavy steering. They've probably never driven a MB before. Every one I've ever driven has had heavy steering (that spans models from the 60s, 80s, and 90s).
I actually believe my recently acquired '97 E320 to have the least heavy steering of any MB I've driven.
I'd tell them if they want light steering to go buy a Cadillac...
...and, I'm not surprised people are complaining about heavy steering. They've probably never driven a MB before. Every one I've ever driven has had heavy steering (that spans models from the 60s, 80s, and 90s).
I actually believe my recently acquired '97 E320 to have the least heavy steering of any MB I've driven.
I'd tell them if they want light steering to go buy a Cadillac...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
A friend drove my 1998 E430 and thought the steering was heavy too. I don't know what cars he was used to, plus he is only 23 and can't possibly know much about MBs anyway. I think it is probably the "nature of the beast". Don't forget the W210 is a pretty heavy vehicle too.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
strangely enough, the 99 E320 4 matic and the 99 E430 rwd had some EXTREMELY light steering at rest and slow speeds.
I feel like the steering on my 430 4matic is very heavy for the style of car that it is.
I feel like the steering on my 430 4matic is very heavy for the style of car that it is.
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