LewS

I have a 2000 E320 with about 100K miles. I just have new tires and alignment but the steering is still a little "light", not exactly loose just doesn't feel like the tight steering it use to have when I bought it. I took it to my mechanic shop (great MB place), and they check everything and gave it a clean bill of health.

They couldn't feel any problem either, but I know my car. It tracks fine, but it just doesn't have the road hug feel, that understeer feel.

They checked the bushings too and they're fine.

Any ideas?

patrick_y

Is the steering simply less heavy?

A tight steering implies that there is little play. Play is when you move it left and right a few degrees from the center and nothing happens (not responsive).

If there's play in the steering, there's something wrong. If the steering wheel requires less force to move it, then that's a different story.

dsmith

Did your mechanic agree that your car feels "off"? Does ALL steering wheel movement translate into wheel movement? Did you shake down the front end yourself? Do you hear any noise when you lightly rock the steering wheel back and forth with your fingertips (clunk-clunk, car off).

Something is loose or it isn't. Just put your mind at ease and shake down the front yourself. You only need a floor jack, two jack stands and 30mins.

Tires play a huge role in steering feel. Did you notice this more after changing tires? Less tread = tighter feel.
David

ohlord

check the steering rack.
500 bucks.have you changed the power steering fluid per the maint interval?
if you fell a change and the shop does not go to a different shop and get a second.
ohlord

LewS

Thanks for all the quick responses.

I guess you're right that it's "lighter" not loose, as there isn't any play in the steering.

Any no I haven't changed the fluid that I know of. I'll do it right away but I guess if its got dirty, you're saying it might of worn some things and changing it now won't fix that.

I really like the shop (they only do Mercedes), but no they just don't feel it. I had them take it out again. I was pretty disappointed because I know my car and it's definitely lighter feeling.

dsmith

Well, I'll ask the questions as if you just came into my shop and told me this.

How long have you noticed this?
What were the symptons when it started?
Was any work done at the time you noticed it?

And, for grins:
What kind of tires and what size?
Did you replace all 4?
Same as your last?
If different, what were your last tires?
What are your current alignment specs for camber, caster and toe?

Steering racks rarely go bad. They leak, but when they fail, they usually tighten up not loosen. Same with steering pumps.

The loose feeling is usually worn tie rods, steering column rubber coupler (I don't know if the W210 has one) or lower ball joints
David

zx11blade

Did they check the end links?

LewS

Thanks guys. I wasn't given the specs on the alignment. I had it first set by a tire place and then checked by the mercedes workshop but neither gave me the specs. The Merc shop did check all the front end items (ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends).

The problem seemed ever so slightly worse after the alignment but I had felt that the steering was already "light". In fact I'd hoped the alignment would fix the problem. I think this problem occurred 20-30K miles back with a somewhat gradual onset and I'll just thought it was alignment or tires or something.

The tires were just replaced on the front 215/255/r16 They are Michelin Primacy MXV4s. The slightly older tires on the back are MXV4s but are "plus" and called "energy". These were no longer availlable which is why I have different ones on the front.

HOWSER

It's the feel of your new tires. I have had the same sensation when I installed new tires on the front.

LewS

Thinking about it, maybe that makes sense but it was that way before I put new tires on it (just less so). Is it the tire model? I can't remember what tire came on the car.

dsmith

another cheap test would be to swap the tires front to back and see if you feel a difference.

on alignments, you can align with or without the "special" MB toe bar. IIRC, using the bar will slightly increase toe-in making the steering feel heavier. though, without the specs, who knows what you have.

It's quite possible neither shop even put the car on the rack, if you didn't watch them. If a shop is really busy, they may just do a shakedown of parts and test drive. If it goes straight and the steering wheel is straight, who's the wiser? alignments usually have a 3-6month guarantee of some sort. or, like i used to do, some shops will charge for an alignment check. for $25 i would set it up and take readings.

anyway, it's probably just the sucky traction of the MXV's. if i breathe on the gas pedal in the wet, the traction control goes crazy!

LewS

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Have you any thoughts about a different tire when you replace them?

dsmith

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position. (I personally love these for A/S tires)

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (Lots of people love these too)

You could go cheaper than these, but if you don't like what you have, and you are willing to basically toss them, then I wouldn't risk it.

LewS

Thanks again for everyone's good thinking. I won't chuck the tires, but will definitely look into something better on the next change.