Very heavy steering when turning right. Help?
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Mercedes e220 w211
Very heavy steering when turning right. Help?
The power steering of my w211 has gotten extremely heavy when standing still or turning right at slow speeds (~0-5 km/h, usually when parking). This problem occured after changing both tie rods, upper and lower ball joints, and lower wishbones. Dealership said replacing the steering rack would fix it, but after replacement i’m still having the same problem. Also keep in mind that it does work normally about 5% of the time I turn right. In the morning, when I turn out of my garage, it works like it’s supposed to. Sometimes forcing the steering wheel to the right while its very heavy also loosens it for a few seconds. The power steering pump also makes a high pitched kind of screetching noise when turning to the right. Steering wheel easily turns left and power steering pump doesn’t make any noises while doing so.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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C320
This is the correct answer. Also don't waste your time and money going to the dealer with such an old car. They have no idea what they're doing. Find an independent mercedes specialist.
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
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E320 CDI
I have the exact same issue other than the whining noise. Same components replaced and my indy said PS pump, went for a 2nd opinion, and they said the same thing. Replaced the pump and still not fixed. They are also suggesting replacing the rack, it all started with new tires and an alignment. They couldn't do the alignment due to worn tie rod ends, ball joints, etc. So I replaced them and that is when the problem started. Would have been cheaper to deal with alignment issues and replace tires every 2 years.
Did you find a fix?
Did you find a fix?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
This will most likely be the universal joint/knuckle at the end of the steering column (where it joins to the rack) which seizes. It happened to mine. Difficult to steer for 90 degress of each turn to the right of the steering wheel. Sometimes it would be OK. Eventually it got worse and worse.
I diagnosed this suggested it to MB and they said to me "we'll do the diagnose here thanks" and laughed at me. When I picked it up they were like "how did you know, we never would have looked there".
Its a common problem so by now they should know about it.
I diagnosed this suggested it to MB and they said to me "we'll do the diagnose here thanks" and laughed at me. When I picked it up they were like "how did you know, we never would have looked there".
Its a common problem so by now they should know about it.
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 4
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E320 CDI
Thanks for the info, I found the part and it is a lot cheaper than a new rack.
Mine also does feel stiff to the left, but the right is worse. Almost feels like handle bars on a bicycle that are slipping when you turn if the shaft is stripped or not completely tight. Also, my steering wheel was centered after the alignment, now it is to the right and there is some play back to center while driving.
Mine also does feel stiff to the left, but the right is worse. Almost feels like handle bars on a bicycle that are slipping when you turn if the shaft is stripped or not completely tight. Also, my steering wheel was centered after the alignment, now it is to the right and there is some play back to center while driving.
Last edited by paarlberg; Jul 22, 2023 at 11:49 AM.
