BOOMGUY

Good afternoon,

I am wondering if I might have a dying clockspring.
All of the steering wheel buttons work, I don't have any codes being generated but when I turn the steering wheel very far there is a scraping noise right up near the top of the column and the slightest crunchy sensation in the wheel. The sound repeats if I get to that spot in the rotation again, and it sounds similar when I unwind the wheel.
Any thoughts other than a clockspring?

Video clip attached below.



TIA

Steve
2004 E55
1 of 42 Tectite Gray

CaliBenzDriver

I bet it is the dry ball bearing located near clockspring....


dry bearing race... 👏

I don't know who at MB thinks ball bearings can run without lube ???

Simply remove the steering wheel to expose it. Prior to that disconnect batteries for your safety ahead of YLW SRS Airbag connections.

Show us pics, look for steel dust.... use magnet to pick up chunkies.

I use high temp silicon lubricant to prevent lube from evaporating during in hot summer - The difference is steering wheel now spins really smoothly.

Now you can make a difference there. If your parts need replacement : both (race + bearings) in combination.

lthlc63

more likely than not there is an issue with the ribbon inside the clockspring.
never heard of the bearing issue before. definetly try that first. but if it doesnt fix the issue lies with the ribbon