Strange steering problem
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 413
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From: San Diego
2021 Tesla M3SR+, 2017 GLS550, 2011 E350 Bluetec, 2007 GL450 (GONE), 2003 E500 (GONE)
Strange steering problem
I noticed a rather strange issue with wife's 2007 GL450 steering a couple of days ago and hoping that someone might share some insight.
The steering feels very tight and heavy when the car is idling or pulling into a parking spot at low speeds. One the car picks up speed, steering goes back to normal (or at least doesn't feel as heavy). There is no screeching noise coming from under the hood when I turn the steering wheel from side to side. I've checked the power steering fluid and it was a bit on the low side. I topped it off but it didn't remedy the problem. I don't see any leaks on the garage floor and looking around the engine didn't notice anything leaking from the power steering reservoir (the reservoir was replaced just a couple of years ago as it had a bit of a leak).
Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance!
The steering feels very tight and heavy when the car is idling or pulling into a parking spot at low speeds. One the car picks up speed, steering goes back to normal (or at least doesn't feel as heavy). There is no screeching noise coming from under the hood when I turn the steering wheel from side to side. I've checked the power steering fluid and it was a bit on the low side. I topped it off but it didn't remedy the problem. I don't see any leaks on the garage floor and looking around the engine didn't notice anything leaking from the power steering reservoir (the reservoir was replaced just a couple of years ago as it had a bit of a leak).
Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance!
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
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From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
Check your tires. If you see wear or some cords on the interior side, that could be the problem and need to be changed. If not, check the alignment.
Feel free to go to the GL550 tire wear thread post where I posted a response about my tire being ripped along with the alignment being gone on my 550.
Feel free to go to the GL550 tire wear thread post where I posted a response about my tire being ripped along with the alignment being gone on my 550.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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You have speed sensitive steering. It is very likely that the hydraulic valve on the steering rack is failing. They do fail. The valve needs to be activated via das and steering weight change observed accordingly.
Once diagnosed it is an easy fix.
Once diagnosed it is an easy fix.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
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From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
If there is a DTC C1501, then check the SPS solenoid valve ~$260. A solenoid stuck at open would allow more fluid to pass making the steering light. At highway speeds, the car would have a jumpy-steering feel. A closed solenoid would be a heavy feel, especially at low speeds. If the valve is working, then check the PS pump~$250. A failed pump also gives a heavy feel with a P055x code. Lastly, the ECU~$$$$. You need DAS to query the ECU.
http://mercedes-bulgaria.com/Downloa...20Steering.pdf
Last edited by drgeeforce; Jun 11, 2014 at 12:37 PM.
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