GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

High pitched noise when turning the steering wheel?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:40 AM
  #1  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
High pitched noise when turning the steering wheel?

I just picked up my 2014 GLK350 this Wednesday and noticed yesterday that whenever I turn the steering wheel slowly within a couple degrees of the turn there is a high pitched noise. I brought it into the service department and they said everything is good with the car.

What should I do? I don't know if the dealership is giving me bull or not. Though the sound only last a 1-2 seconds its really annoying.

Anyone have advice?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:26 AM
  #2  
Mort's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 484
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
What do you mean when you say "whenever I turn the steering wheel slowly within a couple degrees of the turn"? Are you turning the steering to full lock or close to it? If you are you are building up pressure in the power steering system and the relief valve is opening and they make a high pitched screech as the fluid moves through the valve. This is not very good for the power steering system. If this is what you are doing don't turn the steering so far over and back it off some when you get the high pitched screech until it ceases to screech.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:33 AM
  #3  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by Mort
What do you mean when you say "whenever I turn the steering wheel slowly within a couple degrees of the turn"? Are you turning the steering to full lock or close to it? If you are you are building up pressure in the power steering system and the relief valve is opening and they make a high pitched screech as the fluid moves through the valve. This is not very good for the power steering system. If this is what you are doing don't turn the steering so far over and back it off some when you get the high pitched screech until it ceases to screech.
No I am not turning it to full lock. I turn the steering wheel very slightly. If we look at it like a clock, I turn it to 3 o'clock on the right and 9 o'clock on the left
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:55 AM
  #4  
Mort's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 484
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
Not sure what is causing it but it sounds like something in the steering may be binding. That cannot be good and not normal sounding. Can the dealer reproduce the sound? If it continues I would take it back and go for a test drive with your SA or a tech. Once they have reproduced the sound with you in the car it should be up to them to resolve the issue.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 12:43 PM
  #5  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by Mort
Not sure what is causing it but it sounds like something in the steering may be binding. That cannot be good and not normal sounding. Can the dealer reproduce the sound? If it continues I would take it back and go for a test drive with your SA or a tech. Once they have reproduced the sound with you in the car it should be up to them to resolve the issue.
I did take the car to them yesterday and they did reproduce the sound and both my sales rep and a technician said t was normal.

Should I take it to a outside shop for a second opinion? Or to another dealership?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:24 PM
  #6  
koalatm's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: Calgary, AB
2016 Golf R, 2014 GLK
Are you experiencing this while driving or while dry steering? Vehicles really don't like having their wheels turned when they're not moving.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:30 PM
  #7  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by koalatm
Are you experiencing this while driving or while dry steering? Vehicles really don't like having their wheels turned when they're not moving.
Driving at VERY LOW speeds such as turning into a parking space or turning right after a stop or turning out a drive way.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:57 PM
  #8  
koalatm's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: Calgary, AB
2016 Golf R, 2014 GLK
Originally Posted by andrewt1993
Driving at VERY LOW speeds such as turning into a parking space or turning right after a stop or turning out a drive way.
I'm still ignorant on many parts of the GLK, so will learn more when we pick ours up this week... but from past experiences I'll take a few guesses:
  1. Power steering fluid is bad
  2. Power steering fluid isn't full and allowing air into the system
  3. Power steering pump is on it's way out

Number 2 isn't the hardest to diagnose, sometimes just bleeding the fluid a bit can solve this one, and then of course topping it up. If the fluid is normal, it might be worth having them flush the system and replace with new fluid.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:58 PM
  #9  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by koalatm
I'm still ignorant on many parts of the GLK, so will learn more when we pick ours up this week... but from past experiences I'll take a few guesses:
  1. Power steering fluid is bad
  2. Power steering fluid isn't full and allowing air into the system
  3. Power steering pump is on it's way out
What do you recommend I do?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:58 PM
  #10  
koalatm's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: Calgary, AB
2016 Golf R, 2014 GLK
Originally Posted by andrewt1993
What do you recommend I do?
Sorry about that, I had edited my post and added a bit more detail.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 02:02 PM
  #11  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by koalatm
I'm still ignorant on many parts of the GLK, so will learn more when we pick ours up this week... but from past experiences I'll take a few guesses:
  1. Power steering fluid is bad
  2. Power steering fluid isn't full and allowing air into the system
  3. Power steering pump is on it's way out

Number 2 isn't the hardest to diagnose, sometimes just bleeding the fluid a bit can solve this one, and then of course topping it up. If the fluid is normal, it might be worth having them flush the system and replace with new fluid.

Since the dealership tech told me that my car is fine, how do I make them flush my system?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 02:17 PM
  #12  
koalatm's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: Calgary, AB
2016 Golf R, 2014 GLK
Originally Posted by andrewt1993
Since the dealership tech told me that my car is fine, how do I make them flush my system?
That's always a tough call. A lot of dealers don't want to do the diagnostic work since they don't usually get paid for the time spent. They like billable warranty hours, which this probably wouldn't fall under.

I'd just say hey, I know you've said the car is fine, but the noise is still there. Can someone come for a ride with me and I'll reproduce the noise? I've also been doing some reading on similar issues and a lot of folks are saying that these are the items which might need a closer look...
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 06:35 PM
  #13  
mflores342's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2014 C350 4M Sedan , 2014 GLK350 4Matic
Originally Posted by koalatm
I'm still ignorant on many parts of the GLK, so will learn more when we pick ours up this week... but from past experiences I'll take a few guesses:
  1. Power steering fluid is bad
  2. Power steering fluid isn't full and allowing air into the system
  3. Power steering pump is on it's way out
Number 2 isn't the hardest to diagnose, sometimes just bleeding the fluid a bit can solve this one, and then of course topping it up. If the fluid is normal, it might be worth having them flush the system and replace with new fluid.
Hmnn...I thought the GLK was electric assist and not hydraulic...
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 09:37 PM
  #14  
420tee's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 4
From: Tennessee, USA
Red GLK350, blue '87 Toyota Land Cruiser
Originally Posted by andrewt1993
I did take the car to them yesterday and they did reproduce the sound and both my sales rep and a technician said t was normal.

Should I take it to a outside shop for a second opinion? Or to another dealership?
Normal horsecrap. Try another dealer or an independant shop. Also find another dealer for your next purchase. That guy is a sleezebag same as mine was. Never been back. In the old days that squealing was a loose belt. Might try a little spray belt dressing and see if the noise goes away for a while.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 08:57 AM
  #15  
bop11's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Does the car need to be moving? If so, it probably is drag on the brake pads or a slight vibration from the backing plate. Even stopped the wheels rotate slightly when the steering is turned. If not it may be a bad bearing in the belt idler or the alternator. Check that the belt tension is correct and that the alternator clutch in the pulley is working correctly. The electrically assisted power steering may put a large load on the alternator at low speed, but you would think that would show up with the car stopped. does it go away when the car is warm and that is why the dealer doesn't hear it?
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 10:45 AM
  #16  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Originally Posted by bop11
Does the car need to be moving? If so, it probably is drag on the brake pads or a slight vibration from the backing plate. Even stopped the wheels rotate slightly when the steering is turned. If not it may be a bad bearing in the belt idler or the alternator. Check that the belt tension is correct and that the alternator clutch in the pulley is working correctly. The electrically assisted power steering may put a large load on the alternator at low speed, but you would think that would show up with the car stopped. does it go away when the car is warm and that is why the dealer doesn't hear it?
The car can be both moving and sitting still. Actually the dealer did hear it, and they assured me that it was okay.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 11:30 AM
  #17  
mike-nc's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Hickory, NC USA
2013 GLK250BT
Andrew,

Could you get your dealership to let you listen to a similarly equipped GLK that they have new? If you could simulate the same noise on one or more new models on their lot, then it's normal (probably). Depending on how they respond, you could always suggest that you will not have very good things to say on the all-important dealer survey that you should get soon. Hopefully you haven't completed it yet!

You will probably be getting multiple phone calls from different areas of the dealership prior to getting the survey, so sound off about the way things are being handled to whomever contacts you.

I'd try to play nice, until I found out for sure if your noise is normal or abnormal. It does not sound like you have any evidence, except the service department's opinion. They need to do more to convince you what is normal.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:17 PM
  #18  
andrewt1993's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
None
Just got back from two individual Mercedes specialize shop and both confirmed that that sound is suppose to happen and all is well with my car.

Thank you everyone for all the help everyone
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 03:21 PM
  #19  
cindyclk's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 932
Likes: 38
From: North of Boston
I need some fluid also...there is a brown and also a green...anyone know which is right for our car?
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 03:43 PM
  #20  
rmfnla's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Originally Posted by mflores342
Hmnn...I thought the GLK was electric assist and not hydraulic...
That just means there is an electric motor that drives the hydraulics instead of a belt-driven one.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2014 | 04:11 PM
  #21  
bop11's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Nope no fluid
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n-test-feature
You can see many components could produce the noise.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 08:46 PM
  #22  
cindyclk's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 932
Likes: 38
From: North of Boston
Originally Posted by bop11
Nope no fluid
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n-test-feature
You can see many components could produce the noise.
pg 334 owners manual
Power steering All models approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power Steering
Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11.S)
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:26 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE