My A Class - Please Help!

[saveloy]

I have a 2000 year Mercedes A Class 160 Classic. I have owned the car for the last 5 years and in that time have only recorded 13,000 miles (35,000 in total). I have now been told that I need the whole of the Steering Column and Steering Lock replacing. In addition to this both the rear Trailing arms are worn and also need replacing. Are these known probelms to this a class - like the Drop Links on the front??? Please help, because I can't help thinking I am being ripped off!

 

[type49]

Steering column & rear trailing arm bushes are common. Why the ignition lock though?? If you've been told this has to be replaced with the column then you're being told porkies.

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Type49 arnt the steering locks, one use only and are distroyed when removed due to the pin removeale breaks the plastic.

I have never change one without a new steering lock also!

Well done if you have managed it but must be tough!

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Type49 arnt the steering locks, one use only and are distroyed when removed due to the pin removeale breaks the plastic.

I have never change one without a new steering lock also!

Well done if you have managed it but must be tough!

Anyone from Liverpool who can help/advise..?? :wink:

 

[mattkh]

I have a 2000 year Mercedes A Class 160 Classic.Please help, because I can't help thinking I am being ripped off!

Hi
Which continent are you in?
Who says they need changing?

 

[type49]

Type49 arnt the steering locks, one use only and are distroyed when removed due to the pin removeale breaks the plastic.

I have never change one without a new steering lock also!

Well done if you have managed it but must be tough!

I have removed every roll pin quite easily with no damage whatsoever to the plastic or any other part. I have probably replaced at least 50 of these.

 

[mattkh]

I have a 2000 year Mercedes A Class 160 Classic. I have owned the car for the last 5 years and in that time have only recorded 13,000 miles (35,000 in total). I have now been told that I need the whole of the Steering Column and Steering Lock replacing. In addition to this both the rear Trailing arms are worn and also need replacing. Are these known probelms to this a class - like the Drop Links on the front??? Please help, because I can't help thinking I am being ripped off!

Hi
Just seen the february 2008 issue of CAR MECHANICS. Have a browse.

 

[alec2]

The steering column fault is well known and is occurs on Right hand drive cars.
The design improved with the first facelift in about 2002

Alec

 

[alec2]

PS to my previous reply.

The normal fault does not need replacement of the column. I believe it just needs new bushes somewhere.

Alec

 

[bigtwin]

PS to my previous reply.

The normal fault does not need replacement of the column. I believe it just needs new bushes somewhere.

Alec

Interesting - my Missus' A has dodgy steering woes too, and garage says will need sorting before next MOT or it'll fail. They also say need to replace whole sherbang. Any idea which bushes?

 

[type49]

Usual problem with steering columns are the sharp angle that the universal joints have to go through just wear them out. As far as I know, no bushes/bearings available for them.