hgp

Folks,

I have an 2001 E430 Sport and the steering wheel is making a rubber to rubber grind squeaking noise. The service advisor said there is nothing he can do about it - something about the steering rubbing against the firewall. The sound comes and goes and it is sometimes louder and sometimes I can't hear it... has anyone experienced this? Does anyone know what is cauing this noise?

Thanks!
hgp

BenzE

My 2000 E430 4matic had a squeaky wheel, similar to what you described. At first it was diagnosed as the wheel bushings, but eventually it took a replacement of the steering rack to banish the noise. Your service advisor should read service bulletins on the 2000 forward W210; the rubbing from the steering wheel is a recognized problem and should without question be covered under warranty.

pagman

Just had the exact same problem with my 2000 E320. My wife thought it was just a rubbing sound in the dash. Sounded like it could be that or deeper. The dealer said it was the rack, they overnighted the part and we had the car back the next day. (After a 4 wheel alignment etc)

hgp

Thanks for the replies!

Do you see any potential risks I have for getting this done (or not getting it done)? I have made an appointment for this Wednesday morning for the service people to look at it again. I will bring up your experiences to them.

mbtech208

I've also experienced that noise. It turned out to be the steering rack. First I checked the rubber boot where the steering shaft goes through the firewall. I lubed it, but the noise was still there. A new rack fixed it.

hgp

Thanks for the input folks. Just a question...is this a major fix? Or is this a relatively minor fix that dealers do routinely?

mbtech208

I wouldn't say it's a "routine" job, but it is very easy. All it consists of is disconnecting the tie rods, disconnecting 2 power steering fluid lines from the rack, unplugging the variable-assist electrical connector and removing 4 bolts, then the whole rack just comes right out. No muss, no fuss

2quik

after a rack replacement . does the car need a wheel alignment?>
I heard a noise once while turning the wheel , it was a grinding, i never heard it again? should i bring in the car to the dlr? it did it once and it sounded like a grind, is there a way i can confirm its the rack?

mbtech208

Yes, the car needs an alignment after the rack is replaced because it disturbs the toe settings. If you only heard the grinding noise once and never heard it again, I wouldn't worry about it. It may have just been a rock stuck under the tire while you turned the wheel.

hgp

Took it to the dealer and fixed the noise! Looks like they replaced the steering rack. But now the steering wheel is off-center and the car tends to drift to the right...Should I bring it back in for a re-allign?

Thanks!

hgp

Folks,

After the work on my steering column was done, it now feels like my steering wheel is a little light. Two other benz owners who test drove my car also mentioned that the steering is a little light. Do you have any ideas of what might have happened? Any remedy to fix a "light" steering wheel? Thanks