Vibration when turning steering wheel

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Mar 14, 2020 | 04:11 PM

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

Vibration when turning steering wheel

Hi everyone,

First time posting on the thread.
I have a 2012 E350 4matic that has 60k miles (91k km) in Montreal so snow and cold temperatures.
The car started vibrating and shaking when I turn the steering wheel whether at a stop or driving in both right and left directions.
I took it today to install the summer tires and did an alignment which helped a bit but the vibration is still there. (independent shop)
They told when inspecting that the car doesn't have a power steering fluid and the steering is electric. My brakes are at 50% but the pads are to be changed uneven ware next year. He didn't know what causes the vibration.

Anyone has any experience with that ?
I found this article online but I am not sure. I really appreciate all the help as I love this car and want to keep it.
https://www.mercedesbenzofchandler.c...wheel-shaking/

I have always parked the car inside my garage but got caught over a weekend in a snow storm and the car was buried under snow so I don't know if that caused any issue.

Thanks again
L

Mar 14, 2020 | 04:25 PM

RA72825

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Have you received this campaign notice ?

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...9080019-a.html

Mar 14, 2020 | 04:26 PM

LILBENZ230

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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL

Have someone check the engine/transmission mounts. That is the likely culprit at that age/mileage.

Mar 14, 2020 | 04:36 PM

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@KEY08 No, I never heard of it, I called MB Canada and they said that there was no recalls on the car.
I'll call the dealership that did the blindside monitor replacement and check what it is.

Thank you

Mar 14, 2020 | 04:39 PM

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@LILBENZ230 I was worried it would be an engine/transmission problem as the car doesn't have a warranty. I'll take it to a shop to have them checked.
Do you know if it is a big job ?

Thank you !

Mar 14, 2020 | 11:25 PM

MBENZTECH

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W203 W212 W211 R53MCS

I actually think your issue is with your transmission...... more specifically the transfer case or your front differential. Motor mounts usually will cause vibrations all the time versus only when turning.

Mar 15, 2020 | 08:35 AM

nc211

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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBENZTECH

well maybe. If the mount are compressed down to a point where a shift in the weight of the engine or transmission allows metal/metal to touch for just a few seconds, it’ll transmit onto the frame as a vibration. On mine, where I just had the mounts and transmission mount changed last week after 6 years and 50k miles, when the car would shift into 5th on a gentle acceleration, it would send a grumble vibration for just a split second throughout the car. Turned out the gear changing process would shift just enough weight on that transmission mount to reveal a weak spot in the mount and would get a metal/metal touch point.

OP at that age, I have little doubt your mounts are ready. Mine were about ½ inch compressed down when compared to new. Totally changed the feel of the car (back to new). And while you’re at it, I’d change the trans fluid and maybe that rear diff. If your 4-matric, the front diff doesn’t take a lot of pressure as it’s a fixed system (rear bias). Rear takes the heavy load. On mine, to change the front diff requires removal of the drive shaft. My mechanic said not a worry. Maybe around 100k we’ll consider it. Expect $1k for the mounts. $400 or so for the transmission fluid, $150 for the rear diff. And I would not let a dealership do it. Find a good local that works on MB exclusively. If you’re in the DC area, send me a PM and I can share a name with you.

until you change the mounts, the process of elimination will drive you crazy (and likely cost you a ton more than it should’ve if you just start at the mounts).

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Mar 15, 2020 | 12:06 PM

LILBENZ230

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I would search for a reputable independent mechanic that specializes in Mercedes or other German cars and go there. The dealer will charge more. The engine mount job is not cheap, unfortunately.

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:09 PM

#10

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@nc211 Thank you for your reply.

Thats my biggest worry, how to go about it and where to start. I know it will cost a fortune to start changing every piece to find the solution.
I am not sure where to start. I am in Montreal and I don't know any independent shops as I never had any issues with the car, it was only service work A & B that have ever been done.

Your thought it to start with the engine mount ?

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:12 PM

#11

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

Hi @LILBENZ230

I would rather do an independent shop as it would cost less, never used one and can't trust google really to find them.
Any idea where to start to find one in Montreal ?

Where would you advice me to start as I am worried about changing a lot of parts that are not needed ?

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:45 PM

#12

Arrie

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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine

Quote:

Originally Posted by luay

Lots of advice to look at motor / transmission mounts and transfer case / differentials but your description of the problem does not point to any of those.

You say “The car started vibrating and shaking when I turn the steering wheel whether at a stop or driving in both right and left directions.”

As the car start shaking when it is not moving it has nothing to do with transfer case or differentials or gear changes.

Turning the steering wheel puts more load on the engine and it could have something to do with engine mounts but then it should be vibrating when driving straight without turn on the steering wheel as driving puts way more load on the engine than the steering pump that 2012 model still has I believe.

Have you observed the engine speed when you experience the problem? If engine speed drops down it can cause shaking on engine as the engine has a minimum speed to run smoothly.

If you find engine speed dropping with wheel turn then you have problem with the engine or/and power train control module. Could also be as simple as faulty engine speed sensor.

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:57 PM

#13

nc211

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Quote:

Originally Posted by luay

Honestly unless if it’s truly internal to the transmission (differential), I would define my start at the engine and transmission mount. These take the brunt of the torque force of the car, and at your age, if still original, no doubt in my mind they’re compressed down and you’ve got some slack in there now. Everything lines up to the engine and transmission, if it’s out of alignment then others could follow. I leaned this the hard way on an old LS400 years ago... zeroed in to the engine mounts from outside chasing vibrations...

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:59 PM

#14

LILBENZ230

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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL

Quote:

Originally Posted by luay

What about Euro Motors, Inc. They have some positive google reviews. Lots of times that is what I base my decision on. I don't think your issue will lead to a bunch of parts being thrown at the car. A simple check should reveal whether or not the engine mounts are leaking or the transmission mount has collapsed.

If there were sensor issues anywhere the car would almost certainly tell you. This sounds very mechanical in nature and I am sticking with my recommendation that you get the engine and transmission mounts checked out. These are wear items, they commonly fail at your age/mileage, and they increase vibration in the cabin. Your symptoms match pretty closely to that.

Mar 15, 2020 | 01:55 PM

#15

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@Arrie Thank you for the reply.

I didn't notice any drop in rpm. I guess as everyone is saying it's the engine mount as yes it feels vibration when only turning steering wheel not straight line.

Mar 15, 2020 | 01:57 PM

#16

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@nc211 Thanks, I will take it an independent and ask them to start with the engine mounts check and replacement

Mar 15, 2020 | 02:00 PM

#17

luay

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W212-E350 4matic 2012

@LILBENZ230 I tried Google and saw Euro Motors and ask them to do a mechanical diagnostic and start with the engine mounts check and replacement.
I haven't had any lights on the dash or anything.

Thanks again !

I'll write a note at the end after the diagnostic for others once done.

Mar 15, 2020 | 02:02 PM

#18

luay

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W212-E350 4matic 2012

Last edited by luay; Mar 17, 2020 at 09:36 PM.

Mar 15, 2020 | 06:01 PM

#19

nota_amg

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2013 SL550 BiTurbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by luay

The car started vibrating and shaking when I turn the steering wheel whether at a stop or driving in both right and left directions.

MB didn't have electric power steering when I was a tech, but if you're having a vibration when turning wheels in either direction when the car is NOT moving, I'd be very surprised if it was anything in the transmission/diff/mounts. Sounds like a(hydraulic) rack that has gone bad and I would expect it to be the electric motor or rack itself has an issue.

Mar 15, 2020 | 06:15 PM

#20

RA72825

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^totally agree with that

Mar 17, 2020 | 09:36 PM

#21

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@couldnthinkaone So does the W212 E350 4matic has a hydraulic power steering that can be leaking ?

I figured the mechanic that checked it wasn't an MB expert.
I will take it to the independent shop and get that checked too.

Thank you very much

Mar 18, 2020 | 08:45 AM

#22

RA72825

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Run your VIN in one of the free data card sites and if you have Option 211 you have an electric assist steering rack, no hydraulics.

Mar 18, 2020 | 08:56 AM

#23

luay

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From: Montreal

W212-E350 4matic 2012

@KEY08 Never heard of those before. I just checked and I do have it i guess so i guess it is electric assist.
Option 211 - STEER CONTROL

Mar 18, 2020 | 10:59 AM

#24

RA72825

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Quote:

Originally Posted by luay

@KEY08 Never heard of those before. I just checked and I do have it i guess so i guess it is electric assist.
Option 211 - STEER CONTROL

correct. You have electric assist. I do also, but I received the steering rack bolt campaign and had the repair done a couple weeks ago. That’s why I asked earlier if you were on the campaign list for the repair. I thought perhaps you had a bolt that sheared or was causing your noise and vibration.

Mar 18, 2020 | 11:05 AM

#25

luay

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W212-E350 4matic 2012

@KEY08 It is weird that I haven't, I will call the dealership with it and ask. When I called MB Canada to see any recalls they said there was none. I found it very weird.