Loose front end
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
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.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
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..
