Steering feel / tramlining
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2011 R350 4Matic
Steering feel / tramlining
Hey all-
I have a 2011 R350 that I bought CPO in November, with the AMG wheels. The steering has always felt a little "off" since I bought it, but thought it was just me adjusting to a different vehicle. The steering continues to feel off, but the dealer has checked alignment and suspension and can't find anything.
It's almost like the car is adjusting the amount of power steering boost - with no rhyme or reason, or the rack has something wrong. Example - I'll be driving a continuous curve, one where you shouldn't have to adjust the steering wheel, yet I constantly have to adjust the wheel to keep going in the same arc.
Also, if there are any ruts or seams in the road, it's downright scary with the tramlining - extremely difficult to keep it in the lane and all over the road.
Has anyone experienced anything similar?
I have a 2011 R350 that I bought CPO in November, with the AMG wheels. The steering has always felt a little "off" since I bought it, but thought it was just me adjusting to a different vehicle. The steering continues to feel off, but the dealer has checked alignment and suspension and can't find anything.
It's almost like the car is adjusting the amount of power steering boost - with no rhyme or reason, or the rack has something wrong. Example - I'll be driving a continuous curve, one where you shouldn't have to adjust the steering wheel, yet I constantly have to adjust the wheel to keep going in the same arc.
Also, if there are any ruts or seams in the road, it's downright scary with the tramlining - extremely difficult to keep it in the lane and all over the road.
Has anyone experienced anything similar?
#2
Going to play the devil's advocate here... keep in mind this is a VERY heavy car with a soft floaty suspension. The steering is also highly assisted (engineers have moms/nannies in mind for drivers...). I had a GLK before the R350 (MY2012), and the R350 definitely felt more loose/harder to control.
Since then, I have lowered my car via H&R spring and adjustable links... the ride does lose some comfort, but handling FEEL (pretty sure it does not actually go any faster) is dramatically improved.
Hope this helps and also that the mechanics did not miss anything... don't want to be driving around with broken parts!
Since then, I have lowered my car via H&R spring and adjustable links... the ride does lose some comfort, but handling FEEL (pretty sure it does not actually go any faster) is dramatically improved.
Hope this helps and also that the mechanics did not miss anything... don't want to be driving around with broken parts!
#3
Junior Member
The quality of handling deteriorated with time for no apparent reason. I have recently asked my indy mechanic re-calibrate rear-end suspension (you need Star machine for that). Handling quality improved significantly after re-adjustment.
May be this could help you too.
yeah, you tires may also make an impact.
#4
Super Member
I seem to have similar issuesThis is my second and both up to about 200k Km. never a problem with front or rear suspension... I think
my 2011 front end feels a bit loose steering wise, not precise so to speak with what seems like slack in the center. None of the joints are loose. What could lead to this? Are the rubber bushings on the lower A arms getting worn and weak? They look ok, not cracked or broken...
I dont think I have any rear self leveling problem.. seems to be correct level.. I can check it..
Any suggestions?
thanks
my 2011 front end feels a bit loose steering wise, not precise so to speak with what seems like slack in the center. None of the joints are loose. What could lead to this? Are the rubber bushings on the lower A arms getting worn and weak? They look ok, not cracked or broken...
I dont think I have any rear self leveling problem.. seems to be correct level.. I can check it..
Any suggestions?
thanks
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,923
Received 1,631 Likes
on
1,201 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
wrong forum