ML270 Steering Noise/Vibration?

[bpar1713]

My 2004 W163 has developed an unusual noise and slight vibration in the LH front wheel.
The noise comes when turning hard to the right at low speeds as in a roundabout. The first time I noticed it was the day after my indie replaced the engine mountings.
It is as though the edge of the LH front tyre was rubbing something like a loose mud flap or as though I was driving on one of those very small continuous ripple strips they put between Highway lanes. It may happen at higher speeds but is hard to pick then due to the speed.
We've just checked the wheel bearings - all OK and repaired the upper control arm bushes. The lower ball joints were replaced about 30,000 km ago together with a new rack. . It's not a tyre problem as I've just changed LH & RH Front around and the noise is still LH Front.
We are out of possibilities and really would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[wireman]

Drive shaft, inboard or outboard coupling worn?

 

[oigle]

Drive shaft, inboard or outboard coupling worn?

Sounds possible - just like the CV joint on a FWD Morris. They made a heck of a racket on lock when worn out.
More likely to be the outer coupling.

 

[wireman]

Noises of the loud clicking/clunking kind, outer, lesser noises and feel-able lumpiness on power, inner.

 

[oigle]

Noises of the loud clicking/clunking kind, outer, lesser noises and feel-able lumpiness on power, inner.

Are these a common failure item? Haven't seen one mentioned on the forum before.

 

[bpar1713]

Problem Solved

I finally got to my indi late last week. All guards, flaps etc. were in place and he couldn't find any other possible causes so replaced the LH engine mount as a last resort and the noise has gone!
He used Mercedes mounts, couldn't see anything wrong with the old ones but did the replacement under warranty so he and I are both happy.
Many thanks to everyone, particularly oigle and wireman, for their suggestions. Very much appreciated!

 

[oigle]

I finally got to my indi late last week. All guards, flaps etc. were in place and he couldn't find any other possible causes so replaced the LH engine mount as a last resort and the noise has gone!
He used Mercedes mounts, couldn't see anything wrong with the old ones but did the replacement under warranty so he and I are both happy.
Many thanks to everyone, particularly oigle and wireman, for their suggestions. Very much appreciated!

Most unusual that a new mount would be faulty. Sounds odd. Glad you have sorted it.