E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550

Rattling steering wheel

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Old 07-18-2022, 03:07 PM
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E55 AMG Wagon '04
Rattling steering wheel

I have an issue with my car when going over 70mph, I get a rattling sound from my steering wheel. The dealer told that it's most likely a loose active lane assist vibration motor and I would need a new steering wheel. Before trying to search for a new used one, it would be worth while to check if it would be possible to fix this. Any help?

Here's a video of the sound, you need to have the speakers up to be able to hear it. It's more pronounced in the end of the vid.

Old 07-18-2022, 03:13 PM
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2012 CLS63
Might be from all that dust on your steering column! No but really, do you have access to an independent MB shop versus the dealer? They are only going to tell you
the most expensive option for repairs. Hell, it could be a loose piece of debris bouncing around for all we/you know.
GL to you.
Old 07-18-2022, 03:15 PM
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Lol, yeah car was due a cleaning when I took the video.. Yeah I have some independent work shops here but it's always a hassle to bring the car over and taking a rental etc. So if someone has had this same issue I could fix it my self.
Old 07-18-2022, 03:44 PM
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Located lower right if this is your problem, see attachments to access.


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install steering wheel.pdf (218.5 KB, 26 views)

Last edited by konigstiger; 07-18-2022 at 03:46 PM.
Old 07-18-2022, 08:35 PM
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troubleshooting choices...

I've listened to the video like 4 times... I really can say it's in the steering column itself. There are not many loose things around it. Even the steering clock-spring is enclosed.

Nothing is impossible with the best cars, I hardly believe a busted wheel vibrator would produce that sort of soft chirp. Try to disable "Lane Assist

Check the door to OBD2 port is closed (below dash)

Is the tiny fan circulating air over temperature sensor ok or noisy? It's near where you have the camera...

Set HVAC to OFF to disable any air vent flow

Can you extend your steering column to different coordinates. This will pull on internal harness.

Perhaps steering wheel airbag module is not pushed all the way in against its spring catches?

One of the beautiful dashboard trim pieces could rubbing ...

Old 07-19-2022, 02:59 AM
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I've tried adjusting the steering column and it doesnt have an affect. If I pull the wheel or lift it with my knee the sound goes away. So the sound for sure is coming from the wheel or the steering column.
Old 07-19-2022, 03:40 AM
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MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
pick your favorite:

Originally Posted by Krister
I've tried adjusting the steering column and it doesnt have an affect.
If I pull the wheel or lift it with my knee the sound goes away.
So the sound for sure is coming from the wheel or the steering column.
pretty good: now we can reproduce the condition! When you torque the wheel with your knees it gets quiet.

I am going to guess there could be something worned out. Can you feel any abnormal freeplay in your 2004 steering column? Not so much, correct?

>> On the other end it could also be something loose vibrating steering through the rack, tie rods, warped disc, control arm bushings, tight caliper, warped rim can vibrate an ok column that would otherwise be quiet.
I mention that because this is a "speed sensitive" issue...

MY'04... by now you could also be dealing with the combination of a loose steering vibrated by the feedback through the column...


Old 07-19-2022, 04:47 AM
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The sound is coming from the wheel, I'm pretty sure of it. I can somewhat reproduce it by hitting the wheel with my fist.

The car is MY15 if it makes a difference.

Old 07-19-2022, 02:38 PM
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MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
looseness

true, definitely a rattle hidding in there


Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; 07-19-2022 at 03:15 PM.

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