CLK55 Steering/Suspension query

[lewispost]

Hi

I have a 2001 CLK55 AMG Coupe with 37k miles on it.

Being fairly new to the car I do not know whether I have a problem or not but the steering sometimes feels very loose. If I let it self centre at @5mph then the wheel centres OK but in a jerky movement, not smooth. When self centering at a higher speed the movement is smooth. Also, at low speed, <10mph, when turning sharply, the steering has a tendancy to go to full lock very quickly after about half of full lock is applied - if that makes sense.

Can anyone give an opinion whether I may have a suspemsion/steering problem? I have had a full tracking and toe-in done and with hands-free steering the car remains straight

Thanks in advance

 

[jibcl500]

Might be worth getting the tracking checked first before you do anything, if the tracking is out it can make the steering feel horrid at low speeds, if the tracking doesnt help get it to a specialist and have all the front suspension joints checked for play.

jib

 

[shadowninja]

I haven't noticed any odd behaviour in the steering department with mine.

 

[lewispost]

I don not think this is a problem with the make per se. When I acquired the car a month ago I had all the wheels balanced and tracking looked over as there were definitely front wheels out of balance. While balancing the wheels the tyre man found a huge flat spot on the inner rim of the N/S/F wheel - like 6 inches flat ! I have now replaced the wheel but I am wondering whether such a hit has taken out something else as well like bearing, suspension bush, ....

Anyway, I have booked a techie at M. Purslow in Guildford on Friday to take a look

 

[angus falconer]

Hi

I have a 2001 CLK55 AMG Coupe with 37k miles on it.

at low speed, <10mph, when turning sharply, the steering has a tendancy to go to full lock very quickly after about half of full lock is applied - if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance

Both of my C43's do the same thing once approaching full lock - it's more that half a turn in my case. It feels like the wheels are "flopping over" and pulling the steering wheel. I think it's just the geometry.

 

[lewispost]

Thanks for that Angus. I feel a little less worried if it is a Mercedes 'feature'

 

[lewispost]

Thanks for all the response to this query

I visited Tony Purslow in Guildford this morning and they test drove the car and checked it on the ramps.

It appears that this is a case of driver error. Having never had a Merc before it seems that the steering - being 'drag-link' rather than a conventional rack can feel different - which it does to me.

Anyway, all was well with the proviso that there was a very, very small amount of play in the steering box. This makes me happy again. All I have to do now is get used to the car

As an aside, all the checking and road test was done at no charge and the folks there were very helpful and pleasent. I, for one, would recommend them.

 

[Uncle Benz]

I did not comment earlier, as I was not sure whether you had a 208 or 209 model. Since you have pointed out you have a steering box, I would suggest that you remove the steering damper and check its operation. In my experience, unless you remove the damper, it is not possible to be sure that it is doing its job correctly. It should show resistance to stroke travel in both directions, like a suspension damper. If it is at all floppy, or easy to move, replace it and your steering will feel great again.

 

[jibcl500]

I haven't noticed any odd behaviour in the steering department with mine.

Must be something to do with the weight of the badge on your boot lid!!
jib

 

[television]

Thats a good post from uncle Benz above and worth doing

 

[type49]

I for one would hope the steering damper would have been checked at T.P. as it only takes seconds, once the car is in the air. As Angus suggests, 202s & 208s do have a "loose" feeling at very slow speeds when getting near to full lock. Hopefully that's all it is, although if the wheel has been hit that hard, a full geometry would be a good idea.

 

[Uncle Benz]

I for one would hope the steering damper would have been checked at T.P. as it only takes seconds, once the car is in the air. As Angus suggests, 202s & 208s do have a "loose" feeling at very slow speeds when getting near to full lock. Hopefully that's all it is, although if the wheel has been hit that hard, a full geometry would be a good idea.

I too would hope that Purslows would have checked it, but I have seen them appear completely dry, and yet when removed have no fluid left in them at all. Removal is the only way to be sure, and I know that many dealers do not do this routinely.

 

[lewispost]

Thanks for all the inputs. Can you explain what the steering damper is and does and if you can check it easily ? I see from the old service receipts that this was replaced early in the cars life

 

[type49]

It is like a small shock absorber. Remove one bolt & see how easy you can move it in & out. It should move slowly & smoothly & need a bit of effort to do so (especially if you are on your back on the driveway). If you can easily "wobble" it in & out, then it's worn out.