GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Clunk when turning the wheel?

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Old 03-03-2019 | 06:32 PM
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Clunk when turning the wheel?

Hey guys! I don’t usually post about problems, but rather do my research. But to the point. When I turn the wheel I get like this clunk sound and I can feel it in the steering column. I get it when I go over bumps and rough surfaces as well. I haven’t had time to diagnose this myself. Does anyone have any idea what causes this? It has been going on for a month now. It was quieter when it started, but now you can really hear and feel it! I’ve heard that the coupler would be one culprit, I’m not sure.
Thanks in advance!
Old 03-03-2019 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by quron_southwest
Hey guys! I don’t usually post about problems, but rather do my research. But to the point. When I turn the wheel I get like this clunk sound and I can feel it in the steering column. I get it when I go over bumps and rough surfaces as well. I haven’t had time to diagnose this myself. Does anyone have any idea what causes this? It has been going on for a month now. It was quieter when it started, but now you can really hear and feel it! I’ve heard that the coupler would be one culprit, I’m not sure.
Thanks in advance!
Sway bar end links.

Stick with mb or lemforder.

Best to do all 4 straight away.
Old 03-03-2019 | 07:55 PM
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Sway bar links are possible, but you mentioned the coupler. I would look into the intermediate shaft, which joins together the steering column and the steering rack and over time these can cause the clunking noise that you are referring to. Try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while parked to see if you can replicate the sound.

Last edited by 22steelers; 03-03-2019 at 07:57 PM.
Old 03-03-2019 | 11:52 PM
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Thanks. I’ll begin with replacing the sway bar links first. I’m sure they need to be replaced anyway and theyre cheap and easy to DIY.
Old 03-04-2019 | 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 22steelers
Sway bar links are possible, but you mentioned the coupler. I would look into the intermediate shaft, which joins together the steering column and the steering rack and over time these can cause the clunking noise that you are referring to. Try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while parked to see if you can replicate the sound.
+1
It is coupler most likely. Can you hear the sound when parked by just nudging the steering right or left?
Steering forces don't go through sway bar links. Sway Bar links are activated/deployed when there is different weight on both side of sway bar. (i.e. turning fast or uneven ground etc)
Old 03-04-2019 | 05:20 AM
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Originally Posted by TX07GL450
+1
It is coupler most likely. Can you hear the sound when parked by just nudging the steering right or left?
Steering forces don't go through sway bar links. Sway Bar links are activated/deployed when there is different weight on both side of sway bar. (i.e. turning fast or uneven ground etc)
I think It is the coupler‼️How do you replace it? Do I need a whole new shaft?

Last edited by quron_southwest; 03-04-2019 at 05:29 AM.
Old 03-04-2019 | 03:03 PM
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You need the intermediate shaft only. Its not too bad to replace, 2 torx bolts total, 1 to the steering column, the other to the gear box. both ends are splined, so you have to slide it on. 1hr - 1.5hrs max
Old 03-04-2019 | 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 22steelers
You need the intermediate shaft only. Its not too bad to replace, 2 torx bolts total, 1 to the steering column, the other to the gear box. both ends are splined, so you have to slide it on. 1hr - 1.5hrs max
Part number?
Old 03-04-2019 | 08:43 PM
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Old 03-05-2019 | 04:18 AM
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I also have that sound in my GL. Quron, if you DIY, Please make a video or take pictures. I am still deciding if I should do it myself or not.
Old 03-17-2019 | 12:42 AM
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Clunk when turning the wheel?

I replaced the intermediate shaft also but that was not the issue. The problem was the inner tie rod ends between the steering rack and the tie rod.
Old 03-17-2019 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Nobby Parade
I replaced the intermediate shaft also but that was not the issue. The problem was the inner tie rod ends between the steering rack and the tie rod.
Do you have a part number? I’m still having this issue.
Old 03-17-2019 | 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by TX07GL450
I also have that sound in my GL. Quron, if you DIY, Please make a video or take pictures. I am still deciding if I should do it myself or not.
Of course.
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Old 03-17-2019 | 07:12 PM
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GL320 CDI

Inner Tie Rod, Left, Right - MERCEDES-BENZ - OE 164 460 0005


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