2007 E550. When I turn the steering wheel when stopped, I hear a creaking sound from the steering assembly or suspension. Thoughts?

 

Ball joints?

 

Good thought. Could well be. I'll have them checked.

 

In addition, up to VIN B100720 there is a design modification to steering retaining plate (500 in diagram) allowing for greater clearance to resolve cracking/creaking noises heard when vehicle is stationary – part # 2116280511 MSRP about $28.50 if under warranty reference bulletin LI46.40-P-047549.

 

Thanks. I'll look into this!

 

Do you have the SB LI4640-P-047549? Can you post it if you do.
thanks

 

I replaced the plate with the updated, creaks less times but still creaks 2-3 times when turning lock to lock... drives me crazy

 

Did it come with new hardware? Was it easy in terms of not messing with the RACK itself. I suspect it is not the plate but the nuts and bolts rubbing againt the mounting braket. There was a similar issue with the seats inside the some of these cars which was resolved by just changing the bolts.

 

how about taking out the bolts and nuts and greasing the hell of out them and reinstalling?

 

The part # only includes the plate.

Not sure if it is the bolts, I've been meaning to get under the car and have someone rotate the steering wheel to identify where exactly the noise is generated.

Post back if you find out!

 

I actually did that and used a stethoscope and the noise came from the plate under the RACK. The rack exerts a lot of lateral force on the plate and if it move a fraction of milimeter, it could potentially rub against the bolt and nut and here you go with irritating noise. It is just a theory.
keep me in the loop!!