heavy steering

[taffbrake@hotmail.com]

I wonder if someone could oblige and post a schematic of the power steering components off a w211?
I took my car to an indi today and he told me there is a valve body that is failing,Im interested to see what it looks like apparently it's a dear enough part.

 

[Alex Crow]

If it is only heavy at low speeds, you may have a problem with SPS (speed sensitive power steering), which was not fitted to all cars - a solenoid on the rack is a clue.

 

[taffbrake@hotmail.com]

It really just around town, motorways and at speed no bother, it's just that I seem to have to bring the steering back centrally that bothers me , it is a 2004 w211, the indie looked into the engine compartment as opposed to under car so It seems solenoid?
thanks

 

[television]

There are 3 known faults that can happen on this,,it could be worth a STAR read out

 

[amb67]

Make sure it's not just a combination of poorly inflated tyres, worn ball joints and badly set up steering geometry. I speak from experience of all the aforementioned.....

You've probably already covered off all these but I thought I'd post just in case.

HTH

 

[taffbrake@hotmail.com]

Tyre pressures Ok and ball joints replaced last month for MOT..actually I was starting to think something wrong with B/joints as the steering problem started after their renewal, but it was coincidental,
also the tyres are standard fit so no drag off oversized tyres.

 

[amb67]

What about the steering geometry, do you have a print out from the 4 wheel set up?

 

[taffbrake@hotmail.com]

No ..I have no reason to suspect the geometry as I have owned car since nearly new and it has never been so much as kerbed,I genuinely think it,s a case of fair wear and tear.
looking on this forum ..I must have the only e class in the world that doesn,t pull to the left

 

[amb67]

I think your best bet is a Star test (as Malcolm advised) completing and if that reveals nothing then spend the £70 or so on a good 4 wheel alignment.

Don't know how old your 211 is or how many miles covered but geometry can be knocked out by a pot hole or simply dropping off a kerb.