A170CD steering problems

[jerzyiris]

I bought an A class Mercedes 170CD five years ago; the car has always been serviced by Mercedes. Ever since I bought it I complained about the squeaking noise from the steering at near maximum lock and was told this was a design problem. Before clocking 33,000 miles the steering packed up and I had to pay for the following:

Date Mileage Problem Amount ex VAT
19/06/06 32,340 Record diagnosis (power steering) 115.00
19/06/06 32,340 Power steering pump replace 218.50
19/06/06 32,340 Hydraulic pump for power steering 128.12
And two months later after service:
25/08/06 34,436 Steering column jacket 254.38
25/08/06 34,436 Supply and fit new steering column 256.68
Total 972.68


If a steering column needed replacing at 34,436 miles, this must have been noticed 2 months earlier, at 32,340 miles, when a record diagnosis was made and a new power steering pump and hydraulic pump were fitted.

I bought the car because I was assured of its reliability, but after less than 34,500 miles I have spent nearly £1,200 (including VAT) on faulty steering alone. This is an unprecedented experience in my 50 years of driving. Anybody else experienced this?

 

[Micman]

Hi,

I used to own a 1999 A190. From my experience of owning one, it seems that there are two major areas that the cars seem to suffer with - one being the streeing rack failing, the other being the rear suspenion issues.

I'm glad to say mine never had the steering rack issues, but I did suffer from the rear suspension neading countless parts replacing - I ended up with new rear wishbones being fitted by Merc when the car was just 2 months outside of it's 3 year warranty - a job which they agreed to as I had reported concerns with the suspension while the car was still within the warranty period.

Knowing an independent garage very well also, they informed me of the troubles other Aclass customers they had that suffered with the steering rack and the rear suspension.

I'm sure someone else on here will have suffered from the steering problems you mention. You say you bought the car 5 years ago, so if it was brand new then, your car is now 2 years outside of its manufacturers warranty, unless you have paid to extend it. I would guess there is very little you can make Mercedes do about it now unless the 'steering issues' where highlighted while within the warranty period.

Good luck.