jkv11503

I just noticed that the steering on my '05 E320 is squeaking. I first heard the noise this afternoon as I was sitting at a drive-thru with my drivers-side window rolled down. I turned the steering wheel just a little (maybe 45 degrees left and right) and I heard what sounded like a rubber on rubber squeak. I tested it a few times on various surfaces to rule out the possibility that the noise was emanating from my tires. The noise cannot be heard when the windows are rolled up; therefore, I know that it is not emanating from the steering wheel or instrument panel area.

The outside temp was approx. 80 degrees fahrenheit and the vehicle was at normal operating temp. I had just driven approx. 10 miles, so I would think that the steering fluid would be plenty warm.

I'll have to check it when the engine and steering fluid are both cold. That should rule out the possibility of it being a heat related issue.

I have read several posts where members have discussed a similar problem with their W210's; however, I could not find any posts that were made by W211 owners.

Does anyone know if this is a common problem with the W211? Is there a DTB(s) related to this problem? Any help that I can get before visiting the service dept. will be greatly appreciated.

konigstiger

P-B-46.40/53 JAN07
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....72&postcount=1

jkv11503

Once again, konigstiger comes through. Thanks!

SuperCarver

I'm experiencing the same problem. Just took it from the dealer today and noticed it while driving home. Never heard it before and i'm not pointing fingers, but it wasn't making the noise when i drove it in there. Does it cost much to fix this problem providing that it's exactly what your saying?

jkv11503

Thought I'd give you guys a follow-up report to my squeaky steering problem...

I took my car to Crown Eurocars and reported the problem as a squeaky noise like "rubber-on-rubber" when turning the steering wheel left or right.

Here are the tech's comment as they appear on the invoice:

Cause: Steering Rack Radial Shaft Seal Faulty

Correction: Replaced Steering Rack per Bulletin P-B-46.20/33A

No more squeak!! And it was performed under warranty.

SuperCarver

Dealer told me that the noise was coming from the ball joint. That it's not loose but i should keep in mind that it needs to be changed in the future.
Mine also squeaks when the car bounces, and they said that it surely wasn't the rack.

benz-tech

+1 on the ball joints

SuperCarver

OLDSCHOOLRICE

+1 again on the ball joints. The boot for the thrust arm ball joints is commonly torn on the 211 chassis.

SuperCarver

So does it make sense is what i'm asking.

OLDSCHOOLRICE

Well if you're asking if it sounds like the thrust arm ball joints are the cause, the answer is yes. If you're asking if it sounds like the dealer caused the problem, the answer is no. If you're asking if its expensive, with guessing the thrust arms are about $150 each, I'd say your probably looking at about $500-$600 at the dealer.

konigstiger

P-B-33.15/22 FEB07 Squeaking/thumping noise from the front axle – upper ball joint sealing boot on upper control arm damaged/torn – replace.

konigstiger

P-B-46.20/33a JUL06 Squealing/squeaking noises when steering in both directions – steering gear replaced.

P-B-46.40/53 JAN07 Cracking/creaking noises when stationary or steering at low speeds –
nuts replaced and washers installed between steering mounting plate and subframe.

P-B-33.15/22 FEB07 Squeaking/thumping noise from the front axle – upper ball joint sealing boot on upper control arm damaged/torn – replace.

S-B-46.00/49a MAR08 SDS (Star Diagnosis System) diagnostic tree for steering conditions – sluggish, play, noises, vibrations, leakage.

SuperCarver

Thanx for the input fellas. They checked the ball joints with a tool they use with warranty jobs and said they're ok for now, but i may do it sooner than later just to be on the safe side.

euromarko

I have a similar problem with my 03 e500, mine on the other hand only squeaks when i just start the car and turn either left or right. It does not squeak after the car warms up, what do you guys think makes the sound then?

EF1 Motorsports

Could be the below boot. Take it in to your local Indie shop and have them check it out.

MB500

Euromarko,

Did you ever figure out the source of the squeaking noise? I just notice same noise on my 03 E500. Only happens when the car starts up and goes away once I drive it for a minute or two.

euromarko

What I did is top up the power steering fluid to the max line and it went away
I used pentosin ch11s

Marko