philharve
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2005
- Messages
- 1,773
- Reaction score
- 5
- Age
- 73
- Location
- Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Website
- go.to
- Your Mercedes
- W202 C230K Auto 2000
Hi All
I decided I would start this thread after reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of the recirculating ball steering system, particularly the disadvantages, which figure in the design of many makes of large vehicle and has, until very recently, been the preferred method of steering Mercedes passenger cars. Unfortunately the recirculating ball steering system, once renown for its compliant and quality feel, has not kept pace with the power and performance of the modern motor car.
Recirculating ball steering systems are notorious for their straight ahead directional instability which manifests as a tendency for the car to wander at speed and requires the driver to make frequent steering corrections, first turning one way, then the other, in a manner reminiscent of an F1 driver. This lack of steering precision makes it particularly difficult to place the car on narrow roads and the problem generally worsens as road speed increases. The frequency of corrections can induce a feeling of a lack of control in the mind of the driver. To the inexperienced or unwary this feeling can induce fear that can have serious consequences.
In order to overcome this wayward behaviour, Mercedes is gradually replacing recirculating ball with rack and pinion steering in its latest models. This system is more modern and provides a more direct method of car control with none of the wayward behaviour of its predecessor. Different steering and revised suspension geometry is also being introduced by MB to complement rack and pinion.
However, most MB owners today have to live with the idiosyncracies of recirculating ball steering. Whilst much can be done to minimize steering vagueness, including converting to rack and pinion, the effects can never be totally eliminated. As the car ages, wear in the steering mechanism increases and the problem worsens. Increasing the preload on the ball bearings reduces tolerances and takes out slop/lash in the steering gear an improves the directional stability. However a degree vagueness is usually always present.
Now to the point of this thread. Many members will be on their umpteenth Mercedes car and they may have devised methods to live with the steering problem. For example, they may have discovered a driving technique or style that successfully copes with steering vagueness? If vagueness cannot be eliminated, can it be turned to an advantage? Is it possible to drive quickly in safety with vagueness ever present? This thread is addressed to those members who have learned to live with this eccentricity.
What tips can experienced MB owners impart to new owners to help them live with steering vagueness?
REGARDS Phil
I decided I would start this thread after reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of the recirculating ball steering system, particularly the disadvantages, which figure in the design of many makes of large vehicle and has, until very recently, been the preferred method of steering Mercedes passenger cars. Unfortunately the recirculating ball steering system, once renown for its compliant and quality feel, has not kept pace with the power and performance of the modern motor car.
Recirculating ball steering systems are notorious for their straight ahead directional instability which manifests as a tendency for the car to wander at speed and requires the driver to make frequent steering corrections, first turning one way, then the other, in a manner reminiscent of an F1 driver. This lack of steering precision makes it particularly difficult to place the car on narrow roads and the problem generally worsens as road speed increases. The frequency of corrections can induce a feeling of a lack of control in the mind of the driver. To the inexperienced or unwary this feeling can induce fear that can have serious consequences.
In order to overcome this wayward behaviour, Mercedes is gradually replacing recirculating ball with rack and pinion steering in its latest models. This system is more modern and provides a more direct method of car control with none of the wayward behaviour of its predecessor. Different steering and revised suspension geometry is also being introduced by MB to complement rack and pinion.
However, most MB owners today have to live with the idiosyncracies of recirculating ball steering. Whilst much can be done to minimize steering vagueness, including converting to rack and pinion, the effects can never be totally eliminated. As the car ages, wear in the steering mechanism increases and the problem worsens. Increasing the preload on the ball bearings reduces tolerances and takes out slop/lash in the steering gear an improves the directional stability. However a degree vagueness is usually always present.
Now to the point of this thread. Many members will be on their umpteenth Mercedes car and they may have devised methods to live with the steering problem. For example, they may have discovered a driving technique or style that successfully copes with steering vagueness? If vagueness cannot be eliminated, can it be turned to an advantage? Is it possible to drive quickly in safety with vagueness ever present? This thread is addressed to those members who have learned to live with this eccentricity.
What tips can experienced MB owners impart to new owners to help them live with steering vagueness?
REGARDS Phil