Other than wheel balance what could be the possible cause of vibration in thr steering wheel. I can see it shaking and feel it too.

 

There are alot of factors to steering wheel vibration but the most common are.....
Balance of the tires and wheels
Alignment
Brake Rotors (Warpped Rotors)
Hope this helps

 

Bent or damaged front wheel.

 

I don't think it is a wheel balance issue, new rims and new tires, had a similiar issue with previous rims and tires. Just trying to get some info before I go to the dealer again to get to the bottom of it.

 

With tires and rims eliminated.

My ABC pump pushed vibration into my steering when it was failing
in my CL. After awhile it started humming with RPM.
It will get worse quickly if thats the case.

 

a balacing issue or a shocker issue!

More likely a simple balancing problem - in my experience it pays to shop around for a professional outfit with propely calibrated equipment as most tyre shops are USELESS GREASE MONKEYS they take no care of their equipment and offer useless shoddy service.

Luckily where I live there is a company called ProTyre and their service is second to none - will always use them to cure wheel/tyre issues.

Hope this helps!

Khushy

PS - if the steering wheel only wobbles when you are using the brakes - your rotors are shagged!

 

The dealer has been doing the balancing on the wheels for me and have been bragging about the new equipment that they have. I really think it is something else. When I mentioned the warped rotors to them they said it would only be the case if it happened while braking. Is that true????

This is a constant vibration while driving.

 

Just because the dealer has new equipment should not let you sleep well. When I bought my CL55 it already had chrome wheels on it that started to bubble within 2 months. The dealer got me a new wheel and proceeded to mount the directional tire on it backwards. My wife's E55 got a flat, the dealer had the tire in stock and mounted the tire and in turn took a good gouge out of the rim face. The best equipment on the planet can still be operated by Larry, Moe and Curly. Your problem sounds like a balance issue. Take it to a shop that specializes in alignments and balancing.

 

Usually if the rotors are warpped than yes it will be most noticable while braking. Now in some cases (rare) if its really bad it can do it without you braking but thats very uncommon.

 

Your so very true!!! Even if they all claim they have the best machines on the planet but lil monkeys are working on it...what good is that. Only reason people choose to go to MB is because the car was made by MB but seriously on another note, I have been to other small shops and they out to MB by far. It all depends on the people, workers, and of course machine they use. If they are using two sticks to mount your tire and rolling it down a hill to balance it than I would second think of using them. But you kind of get the idea.

 

At what speeds and under what conditions are your experiencing the vibrations?

 

Excellent point. Balancing issues will most likely cause vibrations at certain speeds and not at all speeds.

 

The Virbation is noticeable and doens't seem to be related to speed. I am going to check this a little more this weekend and see if any speed is more noticeable than the other.

 

I had the same annoying problem with my SL600 here is what I did and it worked! First make sure your tires are warm as they tend to get flat spots when put in the garage over night on cold cement. After about 5+ miles, they should smooth out considerably. The more you drive it the better the tires seem to stay. If that isn't the problem and you've been "Road Force" and match mounting your tires via the Hunter machine then see below:

The real break through was replacing the front control arms and/or bushings. It seems the SL600's turbos run VERY, VERY hot and will over time melt or compromise the bushings. I asked my dealer to check them and they actually replaced the whole arm under warranty. I learned this relatively common problem with the 600's. The car now runs smooth, smooth, smooth as silk.

Check the bushings and I'll be $1 that is what the problem is.

I'm having RennTech do a THOROUGH check of my car before she goes out of warranty this fall.

 

Since I haven't seen anymore info on the symtoms. Then I'll chime in with the above. I had a vibration at low speeds in hot weather during and after slight braking. Following was TSB was suggested, observed and corrected:

Steering/Brakes - Steering Wheel 'Twitch' When Braking

Date: January 10, 2006

Order No.: P-B-33.15/16a

Supersedes: P-B-33.15/16 dated November 11, 2004

Group: 33

Revised:
Applicable Models, Model Years and Warranty Information Updated

SUBJECT:
Model 211.026/056/065/070/076/256/265
Model 230.474/475/476/479

Model Year 2003 through 2006

Steering Wheel Twitch During Brake Application

If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of a steering wheel twitch during slow speed brake applications, replace the hydro-mount or partially hollow rubber style bushings (which ever equipped) with solid rubber bushings. Reference the following WIS documents AR33.15-P-0160R (torque strut removal/installation) and AR33.15-P-0160-02T (torque strut bushing removal/installation).

Note: Do not replace the torque strut assemblies. Only replace the left and right torque strut bushings.

Note: The steering wheel twitch condition can usually be maximized during slow speed repetitive brake applications, such as those encountered during stop-and-go traffic or toll booth scenarios. Since ambient temperature may influence the overall affect of the condition, it is important to verify the condition only when the vehicle's engine temperature is at normal operating temperature. The steering wheel rotation/twitch can occur during brake pedal application and or release.

Note: It is imperative that the condition be verified on a smooth, flat and level road surface, failure to observe the aforementioned conditions may result in needless replacement of the torque strut bushings.

Note: The originally equipped torque strut bushings (hydro-mount or partially hollow rubber) can deform under braking applications, resulting in left or right steering wheel rotation. The solid rubber bushings have an increased resilience towards deforming during suspension loading.

 

Could be an hydraulic hose from the power steering pump coming into contact with the chassis -- they are not supposed to. Could also be worn engine or transmission mounts.