2007 E550 4matic. 120.000 miles.
Was making a very sharp right turn out of parking lot and coming on to gas heavy the steering seemed to lock up would not straighten out and I had to very forceably turn the steering wheel back to the center position or I would have slammed into the curb. I was close to full lock I think!
Any ideas what might have happened or recommendations what to check.

 

Can you hear the lock solenoid engage/disengage when you remove/insert the key?
DOES the steering lock engage disengage regardless of whether you hear it?

 

Front axle joint could have failed since it’s a 4matic. I’d look at that first over the steering lock

 

Car still drives well but I now notice that if I make a 60 to 90 deg. left or right turn I feel a 'stiff point' in the steering. The stiff point is not at full lock.
Only noticeable if driving with a semi heavy or greater foot.
I will check the axles and joints etc.
Thank you.

 

I've also noticed a similar issue of feeling steering wheel resistance, particularly when trying to park in a tight spot and I'm turning the wheel fast to be able to properly maneuver car. I'm attributing this to some suspension issue; ball joints, bushings, upper or lower control arms or sway bar. I do have some noise coming out of front suspension when turning wheel and when going over speed bumps. I'm getting it checked soon!

 

May be a restriction in the hydraulic system..... maybe a line is collapsing, or something internally in the rack...