Vibration when turning steering wheel
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
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
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
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luay (03-14-2020)
#4
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
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
I'll call the dealership that did the blindside monitor replacement and check what it is.
Thank you
#5
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
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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 !
Do you know if it is a big job ?
Thank you !
#6
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.
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luay (04-28-2020)
#7
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 665
From: Washington, DC
2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
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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peesay (08-12-2023)
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#8
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
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From: Montreal
W212-E350 4matic 2012
Hi @MBENZTECH
Is it a big job if there is a problem with the either ? I am worried about a big service bill but have no other option but to repair it
What would be the best option to do to figure out the situation ?
Take it to a dealer or an independent shop and pay an inspection then repair, I guess they would have to check the transfer case, differential and the mounts ?
Thank you, i really appreciate the help and the community
Is it a big job if there is a problem with the either ? I am worried about a big service bill but have no other option but to repair it
What would be the best option to do to figure out the situation ?
Take it to a dealer or an independent shop and pay an inspection then repair, I guess they would have to check the transfer case, differential and the mounts ?
Thank you, i really appreciate the help and the community
#9
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.
#10
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Joined: Mar 2020
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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 ?
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 ?
#11
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
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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 ?
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 ?
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 941
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
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
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
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.
#13
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 665
From: Washington, DC
2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
@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 ?
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 ?
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...
#14
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 ?
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 ?
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.
#15
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
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.
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.
#17
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Montreal
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.
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.
#19
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.
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KEY08 (03-15-2020)
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pierrejoliat (05-01-2020)
#21
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
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
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
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pierrejoliat (05-01-2020)
#24
@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
Option 211 - STEER CONTROL