Rattling steering wheel
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 9
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.
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.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
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.
No but really, do you have access to an independent MB shop versus the dealer? They are only going to tell youthe most expensive option for repairs. Hell, it could be a loose piece of debris bouncing around for all we/you know.
GL to you.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 9
E55 AMG Wagon '04
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
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 ...
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 ...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 9
E55 AMG Wagon '04
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
pick your favorite:
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...
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