samgaudreau

hi everybody,

I owned since 3 years now my dream truck! a 2002 mbusa G500. I love that truck. I've been very lucky so far, I never had problems with the truck. the G has now 125000 miles on it. It's my first post on this forum, even if I read a lot on it! it is so helpful!

But since around 2 weeks the steering became suddenly VERY heavy. I know the G steering is always heavy, but now it is more than heavy!

I looked at the power steering fluid, and it seems ok.
I have new tie rods, new steering damper, new tires on it...

when driving it, it feels like if the diff is lock, but without any lights in the cluster or on the dash switch pack. I have no check engine light or abs light, nothing.

during my 3 years ownership of the truck, I NEVER had to lock any differential. I use the truck 95% on pavement. I never go offraod.

I tried today to lock and unlock the center diff to see if the problem would go away. I pressed the center diff button and the yellow light came on the dash and on the button itself. the red light never came on, even when trying to turn the steer side to side riding slowly on grass.

so my question is: is it possible the the differential is now lock, even if I have no light or any other signal at all?

If yes, what would be the part to change or to look at?
Is it a known problem with the G500?

every advice are welcome!
thank you

jdbenz500

i have the same exact problem with my 2002. it bothers me so much. steering requires 10x more energy and it sucks

CG 270cdi

Does it make any noises from the PS when you're turning?

aerG500

Have you serviced your power steering, Differentials, axles etc? I've had my G55 for nearly 10 years and I'm up to 94k miles now but have always maintained those. Power steering system has been flushed, serviced and fluids replaced twice now. As have my differentials, transmission, brake system (though I have a Brembo BBK set up on mine), axles etc. every 40-45k miles i've had them all done. including retightening bearings, repacking knuckles etc.

I'm a little obsessive with maintenance but it keeps you from the trouble and expense of repairs and replacements.

after all, oil & grease lose viscosity over time, dust & various internal particles build up in the lubricants too. All making things drag.

jdbenz500

time to time i hear a squeak noise after turning the wheel. honestly theres too many components to identify whats causing the problem, thats why I've been too lazy to get it fixed. My tie rod is rusted and done but it shouldn't be a main problem of the steering. it might be my power steering pump too, i don't know. otherwise, i can order the correct part and fix it myself. not a problem

Daltech

Bought a 2002 and diffs would not lock. $500 later with flush and all new fluid and now like new! Tech said non-use and moisture was cause. Told to engage all diffs every season...

polarbexar

We had a problem where the u joint on the steering shaft froze up. The fix action is to replace the steering shaft since the joint aren’t serviceable. A new steering shaft installled was over $2000. So instead, I asked them to soak the joint in penetrating oil and then lubed as best as they could and it worked. Just something to look at.