Loose wobbly steering (GL450 '06 x164)
05-15-2024, 04:57 PM
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Mercedes GL450 2006
Loose wobbly steering (GL450 '06 x164)
The point where the steering wheel should engage is way off. So I am gonna replace the steering rack bushings.
Exactly what he says at 00:37-01:19
Should I also replace the tie rods and ball joints? Just to be sure the handling of the car will return to its original state.
Thanks in advance.
Cold
Exactly what he says at 00:37-01:19
Should I also replace the tie rods and ball joints? Just to be sure the handling of the car will return to its original state.
Thanks in advance.
Cold
Last edited by Cold; 05-15-2024 at 04:59 PM.
05-15-2024, 08:10 PM
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Only if they are worn beyond spec.
i would not replace MB OEM parts with life left in them with cheap Chinesium “while you’re in there”.
The bushings are a little bit of involved, but once those are fixed and remaining slack in the front steering rack will be very evident. Only then would I consider replacing them.
i would not replace MB OEM parts with life left in them with cheap Chinesium “while you’re in there”.
The bushings are a little bit of involved, but once those are fixed and remaining slack in the front steering rack will be very evident. Only then would I consider replacing them.
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eric_in_sd (05-15-2024)
05-15-2024, 10:00 PM
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2007 GL450
What is the consensus on the labor versus cost of trying to do just the bushings instead of replacing the rack?
The guy in the video said he was only able to do three out of the four bushings; one commenter said if you turn the steering wheel all the way (to the right?) there is clearance for the fourth.
The guy in the video said he was only able to do three out of the four bushings; one commenter said if you turn the steering wheel all the way (to the right?) there is clearance for the fourth.
06-04-2024, 10:13 AM
#4
My 2011 GL550 with the AMG wheels had loose bushings. I replaced them in less than an hour last year using the technique in YouTube videos. But 4000 miles later, the new bushings are like marshmallows and steering is sloppy again. I used Ensun 1644600029 Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing replacements from Amazon. The reviews were great, although not so much after mine today. Has anyone had success with a specific brand? Rockauto offers replacements by Uro Parts. Does anyone have experience with those? Thanks.
06-04-2024, 10:32 AM
#5
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Rule 47 is that you never trust Amazon reviews.
Rule 48 is to buy OEM or MB.
If you don’t wanna do that then Febi/Biestein/any German sounding name that you can verify isn’t made in China should be OK.
Rule 48 is to buy OEM or MB.
If you don’t wanna do that then Febi/Biestein/any German sounding name that you can verify isn’t made in China should be OK.
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TrialsDoc (06-04-2024)
06-04-2024, 12:29 PM
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2007 GL450
It's pretty thoroughly insane that the bushings, which are literally just cast rubber around a metal sleeve (from the looks of it in the pictures) can be such a vulnerable thing. Is there oil leaking onto the bushings?
Bushings should be a no-brainer, but the Chinese manage to make a mess of the control arm bushings.
Also, I made a mistake up-thread. I was confusing the bushings with the seals. I still can't figure out if it's better to replace the seals or the whole rack.
Bushings should be a no-brainer, but the Chinese manage to make a mess of the control arm bushings.
Also, I made a mistake up-thread. I was confusing the bushings with the seals. I still can't figure out if it's better to replace the seals or the whole rack.
