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.

 

You must have your suspension checked on an alignment rack; after which you should have a front and rear alignment done.

 

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.

 

Thanks for the input

 

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..