When to replace tie rods?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
S211 E320 4-matic
When to replace tie rods?
Could anyone tell me if I have an issue with my tie rods (or something else in the steering):
Car: E320 4-matic Wagon, 2004 (140K miles)
I find following on both sides of the car:
My tie rods are rotating about 5-10 degrees in the same direction as the axle.
Without applying much force on the outer tie rods.
At each end of the rotation there is a metal on metal clunk on the wheel side joint.
The connection between the inner and outer tie rod is solid. So it rotates between the wheel side joint and the steering rack.
Doing the 3 & 9 oclock test, there is no play and there is no play in the steering wheel with the wheel on the ground. Wheels on both sides are completely in sync.
>> Is this normal? Or is there something to be fixed or replaced?
Because the clunking sound, I can imagine an issue with the outer rod joints.
Thanks!
Car: E320 4-matic Wagon, 2004 (140K miles)
I find following on both sides of the car:
My tie rods are rotating about 5-10 degrees in the same direction as the axle.
Without applying much force on the outer tie rods.
At each end of the rotation there is a metal on metal clunk on the wheel side joint.
The connection between the inner and outer tie rod is solid. So it rotates between the wheel side joint and the steering rack.
Doing the 3 & 9 oclock test, there is no play and there is no play in the steering wheel with the wheel on the ground. Wheels on both sides are completely in sync.
>> Is this normal? Or is there something to be fixed or replaced?
Because the clunking sound, I can imagine an issue with the outer rod joints.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
S211 E320 4-matic
I was at the dealer today. They offered to take make an appointment in 2 weeks (...) to have a look. I really don't have time to wait because I have scheduled time to do other stuff on the car next week.
Any ideas would be really welcome.
Any ideas would be really welcome.
