Knock/Clunk/Click from Steering Column

[Noddy 99]

Hello, chaps,

This comes under "irritation", rather than "problem":

2009 E-Class with 94,000 miles - I'm getting a knocking sound from the steering column when executing low-speed manoeuvres. It happens only when the column moves in the VERTICAL plane, as you work the wheel at low speeds. Just a very slight movement, accompanied by a knock.

Had a quick check from my mechanic. He says there is NO play in the steering itself. He also says that the noise is coming from the steering wheel end, NOT the rack end. He's suggested I put up with it as fixing it will require a full strip-down of the column and steering wheel. However, it's doing my head in and spoiling my full enjoyment of the car.

Any ideas?

 

[Wighty]

If the front of the car is jacked up , does it still do it ? Just trying to rule out from suspension ball jointy stuff

 

[Noddy 99]

The mechanic jacked it up and investigated everything at the road wheel end. It's up at the top of the column - you can subliminally feel it through your hands...

 

[Wighty]

The mechanic jacked it up and investigated everything at the road wheel end. It's up at the top of the column - you can subliminally feel it through your hands...

That’s me out buddy , good luck

 

[Noddy 99]

Appreciate the effort, though!

 

[Cole@MBS]

2nd hand column best bet, don’t believe merc sell the lower column bushes anymore!!

 

[Noddy 99]

2nd hand column best bet, don’t believe merc sell the lower column bushes anymore!!

It's the upper column; does the comment still apply?

 

[Noddy 99]

OK: update, just in case anyone else has this issue in the future.

It's actually a casting which is pressed to the steering column and which has come loose. Please see attachment for details.

 

[daibevan]

I may be being a bit naive here, but could you drill through the failed press point and insert a self tapping screw, or even a spot weld ?
Probably do even more harm.

 

[Noddy 99]

I may be being a bit naive here, but could you drill through the failed press point and insert a self tapping screw, or even a spot weld ?
Probably do even more harm.

No welding as the casting is aluminium. I think a protruding screw head would interfere with the rotation of the column in some way; it looks like Mercedes have chosen indentation as their fixing method for a deliberate reason. I'm still convinced there could have been a better solution...

Anyway, a Mercedes part from Germany costs £670, not £550 as I said yesterday. I've managed to source a brand new one on Ebay for £150...

 

[sausage]

I had a similar issue on another German car, but only with the adjustable steering column set out at full length. If I reduced the reach on the steering column the mild clunk ceased. Worth a try?

 

[Noddy 99]

I had a similar issue on another German car, but only with the adjustable steering column set out at full length. If I reduced the reach on the steering column the mild clunk ceased. Worth a try?

Good call! I'm very, very fussy about my driving position but I've tried your suggestion and is HAS improved - still there but it MIGHT be something I can live with.

I think I'll keep the new column because it was such an outrageous bargain but I won't have it fitted for the time being - give me a chance to evaluate.

 

[sausage]

Excellent. I was told by the specialist that there was no guarantee that replacing the parts would solve the issue on my car so I just reduced the reach. I was fussy about the driving position too, but I soon forgot all about it

 

[Noddy 99]

Unfortunately, the improvement was temporary - we're back as we were now. It's one of those things that - once they've got into your mind - you can't ignore...

Anyway, my "new" Mercedes steering column has arrived, covered in surface rust. £150 against a Mercedes price of £670 is still an outrageous bargain but I'm really annoyed that the reality didn't match the description and pictures.

So... I've order a used one for £30. If that's as good as the pricier one, then the pricier one will be returned.

Fitting will be in the £200 range, a bit of a sting but getting it done will significantly enhance my enjoyment of the car. Which is the main thing.