M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Loose front end

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-24-2012, 04:06 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
claylcary's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1998 ML320
Loose front end

Hello, I have been trying to find out why my 98 has problems with loose steering. When on the interstate it gets caught on the grooves, dips changing lanes and crowns in the pavement jerks the vehicle about. I replaced the front shocks, control arm and ball joints are good, and new wheel bearings. Maybe the tie rod ends or the steering rack? Help please.
Old 02-26-2012, 08:07 AM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bronx, N.Y.
Posts: 7,107
Received 754 Likes on 702 Posts
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You must have your suspension checked on an alignment rack; after which you should have a front and rear alignment done.
Old 03-01-2012, 10:30 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
mihir_d's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Bay area - California
Posts: 686
Received 31 Likes on 25 Posts
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Tie rod ends...

Need to be replaced. They wear out the quickest among all the frontal components. I had a similar issue. After front shocks & tie rods replaced, car re-aligned. Drives as ex-showroom. Steering is tight & precise.
Old 03-07-2012, 10:08 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
claylcary's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1998 ML320
Front End

Thanks for the input
Old 08-11-2013, 10:10 PM
  #5  
Newbie
 
MB Minister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northwest Indiana
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2003 ML 350
my 98 ml320 has identical problems. tie rods and ball joints look good. I know alignment is much needed, but in the past cars of mine have needed to have an alignment with no erratic steering, especially over bumps. Is there a way to narrow is down to either steering rack or pump? I there a specific test to diagnose each? Sorry brothers - don't mean to ask on someone else's post.. Just looking for a direction to look..

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


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

Quick Reply: Loose front end



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:01 PM.