Clacking on steering wheel rotation...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: New England
2013 MB ML550
Clacking on steering wheel rotation...
Trying to pay attention to strange things before my first service... have a short list of minor annoyances but no major issues. The latest started last week.
* Turn the wheel, whether moving around a parking lot or stationary, and I hear an obvious clacking noise... Imagine your (ha!) skateboard wheel with dirty bearings as you turn the wheel slowly. Clack...clack...clack...
* Driver's window occasionally goes halfway up only to decide to go all of the way back down (have not pinned this down but it may be 'day after car wash' related) - no obvious obstruction on the way up... (moisture friction?)
* Bumps causing "I left my door open" like noise. Mechanical noise... not a 'beep' or other warning. Door is solidly shut.
* AMG door pins should be standard and I will be replacing them at first service... the standard plastic nubs get in the way every day when I pass my ID to security on the way into the office.
* I get loud starts referred to in other threads... however they do not sound particularly troublesome to me. I will mention it at first service.
* AC mildew 'fragrance' once in a while... no pattern discerned as yet...
I'm about 3 months away from first service on the 2013 ML550 at current pace... just putting this out there in case any of you are seeing the same things and do not love feeling insane.
-m-
* Turn the wheel, whether moving around a parking lot or stationary, and I hear an obvious clacking noise... Imagine your (ha!) skateboard wheel with dirty bearings as you turn the wheel slowly. Clack...clack...clack...
* Driver's window occasionally goes halfway up only to decide to go all of the way back down (have not pinned this down but it may be 'day after car wash' related) - no obvious obstruction on the way up... (moisture friction?)
* Bumps causing "I left my door open" like noise. Mechanical noise... not a 'beep' or other warning. Door is solidly shut.
* AMG door pins should be standard and I will be replacing them at first service... the standard plastic nubs get in the way every day when I pass my ID to security on the way into the office.
* I get loud starts referred to in other threads... however they do not sound particularly troublesome to me. I will mention it at first service.
* AC mildew 'fragrance' once in a while... no pattern discerned as yet...
I'm about 3 months away from first service on the 2013 ML550 at current pace... just putting this out there in case any of you are seeing the same things and do not love feeling insane.
-m-
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: New England
2013 MB ML550
Forgot to mention... also had to fill with about half a bottle of coolant... had the message to check it in the console and it was low. Used zerex- G05 as recommended but was surprised to fill coolant so soon... this memory partially inspired by a recent post about coolant campaign (which doesn't seem to affect my December 31, 2013 delivery...)
-m-
-m-
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: NYC / LI
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
I had the same clacking or clunking noise when I had the 2011 ML.
It was a loud clunking noise when turning the steering wheel,in my case it was very easy to duplicate and same as you it would happen stationary or moving. MB needed to re-attach the steering column bearing to the steering shaft. After the fix the steering didn't feel right but after a return service visit MB said everything was fine.
Then approx a month later a “chattering” or vibration developed through the steering wheel whenever driving over uneven pavement and bumps. On occasion there also seem to be a “whirring or wining” noise when turning the wheel.
MB needed to replace the steering Coupling and adjust the steering rack Thrust Piece.
I know the steering is different on the M166 so not sure how and if this will pertain to your 2013 but I figured I would throw it out there because it sounds very similar to what I experienced on the W164. Good luck.
It was a loud clunking noise when turning the steering wheel,in my case it was very easy to duplicate and same as you it would happen stationary or moving. MB needed to re-attach the steering column bearing to the steering shaft. After the fix the steering didn't feel right but after a return service visit MB said everything was fine.
Then approx a month later a “chattering” or vibration developed through the steering wheel whenever driving over uneven pavement and bumps. On occasion there also seem to be a “whirring or wining” noise when turning the wheel.
MB needed to replace the steering Coupling and adjust the steering rack Thrust Piece.
I know the steering is different on the M166 so not sure how and if this will pertain to your 2013 but I figured I would throw it out there because it sounds very similar to what I experienced on the W164. Good luck.
Last edited by Cyber GS; Sep 9, 2013 at 01:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: New England
2013 MB ML550
Service due in about 2 weeks. Adding a few things...
Mechanical: Brake rotors likely affected by the warping noted by other owners. Noticeable shake at most speeds with brakes... probably last six months. I think I am around 9K miles. (second car takes about half of my miles).
Get some abrupt shifts at low speeds. No idea how MB hasn't fixed this problem at this point. It has been years. "Sneeze effect" is one thing (one annoying thing if you want reliable performance).. violent gear changes are another thing altogether.
In our first snow storm I had a malfunction with the Pre-Safe system. Noticed that the indicator for the radar system for potential imminent collision was off. Message from the console was something like "Pre-Safe system inoperable. Please consult owner's manual." I will let the dealer consult the owner's manual. This stopped after the next engine start.
Cosmetic: Will exchange brake/gas pedals for studded aluminum. Spoiled from my C350.
Updates after the first visit. I go to the Hartford, CT dealership. I have had mixed results there... they went through a change in service leadership before this purchase. Hoping for a good experience. Overall happy with the vehicle, just want to collaborate with negatives.
-m-
Mechanical: Brake rotors likely affected by the warping noted by other owners. Noticeable shake at most speeds with brakes... probably last six months. I think I am around 9K miles. (second car takes about half of my miles).
Get some abrupt shifts at low speeds. No idea how MB hasn't fixed this problem at this point. It has been years. "Sneeze effect" is one thing (one annoying thing if you want reliable performance).. violent gear changes are another thing altogether.
In our first snow storm I had a malfunction with the Pre-Safe system. Noticed that the indicator for the radar system for potential imminent collision was off. Message from the console was something like "Pre-Safe system inoperable. Please consult owner's manual." I will let the dealer consult the owner's manual. This stopped after the next engine start.
Cosmetic: Will exchange brake/gas pedals for studded aluminum. Spoiled from my C350.
Updates after the first visit. I go to the Hartford, CT dealership. I have had mixed results there... they went through a change in service leadership before this purchase. Hoping for a good experience. Overall happy with the vehicle, just want to collaborate with negatives.
-m-
