S211 steering 'groan'.

Corned

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The next thing to go wrong: :rolleyes:

Started a few days ago, on and off. Getting slightly worse over time.

It is felt through the steering wheel as much as it is heard. A rubbery vibration almost - like two rubber blocks being rubbed together. I appreciate there are a lot of 'rubs' in the preceding sentence. I can feel it during manoeuvres, and also if I move the steering wheel from side to side a little at a standstill.

Thre are various posts on here describing similar symptoms, but most relate to other models. Does anyone with 211 experience know what it is likely to be, so I can go and have a look?

The PS reservoir is right on the max level, and there are no apparent leaks, so I'm happy that is not directly the issue.

Cheers.
 

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Serpentine belt perhaps - they can "groan".
 

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At least you can eliminate it, if nothing else.
 

amb67

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Ball joints..... :)

I noticed that my lower ball joints caused the steering to feel strange/juddery and made a horrendous squeak when driving slowly, windows down along slightly bumpy roads.

Test video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBQgS6AhCn4
 
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Corned

Corned

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Ball joints to you as well! :)

I really hope it isn't the lower ones, as they were renewed relatively recently - by which I mean a year ago approx. :shock:
 
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Cole@MBS

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Prob the steering pump on its way out:neutral:
 
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Thanks, Cole - just what I wanted to hear. :shock::Oops:
 

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I had a similar noize/vibration last year on the 203. Turned out to be one of the steering rack axial arms (inside the rubber gaitor, rack side) was completely dry, almost seized, due to the gaitor being split and allowing water and crap in to ball joint.
 

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maybe change the fluid 1st pal, I remember doing this on my older W210, was dead easy.

The W211 won't be much different, that could rule out the pump, as the fluid will not be a large amount ( i'm guessing a few litres ? )

just drain, refill & then top up as you normally would ?

Just a thought matey :confused:
 
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I've yet to do any investigation. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

The belt is split in a couple of places, so it needs replacing anyway. I have the new one here, I just need to pluck up the courage to go and change it.

The fluid change might be a good idea. I looked at the reservoir the other day and it was up to level, but I was slightly surprised to find a clear-ish fluid with a greeny-yellow tinge to it, rather than ATF. I guess this is that Pentosin stuff? It looked clean enough, and was bang-on the max level.

The car has a recent MOT test and a service a week ago, so if it was anything major (except perhaps a failing PAS pump) I would hope that it would have been spotted.

We'll soon see, I guess. I'll let you know what I find when I get round to it!
 

V6Matty

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I actually have the same issue as you, although mine comes and goes, ver odd feeling through the steering wheel as well as the odd noise (very quiet). interested to see what fixes it for you, i've just living with it at the moment until is gets worse or someone else (i.e. you :D :rolleyes:) finds the exact fault and confirms the fix.

Quick question, do you find it gets worse after having a spirited run and after pushing the car in corners?
 
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Hmmm. Interesting!

I normally tend to potter about these days. The days of trying to beat people off the lights and ragging the thing are few and far between. I had a spirited run down the M1 last night and the car felt absolutely planted. Obviously I couldn't hear anylittle noises at that speed, and neither does a motorway tax the steering system, but I felt no untoward sensations through the steering wheel.

I'll have a run around later today and let you know what I think. I'll also compare what it feels like stationary on the drive before and after a run, as it would be interesting to see if there is a difference between cold and warmed up.

Watch this space.
 

V6Matty

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to be honest it is only after i put some load on the steering throught the corners (roundabouts mainly) where i then see the problem, tends to be worse when warm and after leaving the car for a while (few hours) the noise and feeling has magically gone?
 

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I bet it's a ball joint worn.
 
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Hmm. Might have to wait a while longer on this one, chaps. Can't currently replicate the problem, despite trying...
 

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But on the basis the belt has splits in it and you have a new one, I assume you'll be doing the belt regardless?
 
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Absolutely! That needs doing regardless. The new one is here ready to put on - I'm just trying to pluck up the courage to do it.

My train of thought in the previous post was more on the lines of I'm not usually lucky enough for it to be something simple and convenient (and inexpensive) as a job which needs doing anyway and costs £16 to fix. Hence my underlying fear that it must be something deeper underneath - and expensive.
 

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On the 203 V6 the belt can be replaced in less than 10 minutes. It is so easy.

Not sure if the same applies to your model though. One of the techs should be able to advise on this.
 
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Absolutely! That needs doing regardless. The new one is here ready to put on - I'm just trying to pluck up the courage to do it.

Keith, the belt change on your OM613? is well within your compass.
It's easier to access and adjust the tensioner pulley from underneath.

Just draw the belt configuration before you start the job (or get someone to print the diagram for you) and the rest is straightforward.

If your Poynton trip is in the near future, call in and see me and we can do it together.

After that, we can have a go at changing the belt. XXX ;)
 

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