Steering noise

[glenluceblue]

Yesterday I started gettting a dry rubber type squeak from my W210 steering wheel when turned in any direction. Right away is thought it would probably be rubber bushes somewhere on the steering rack. Then searching through this site I've found a few mentions of a similiar problem which was cured using WD40. However, I was in the dealers today regarding my radio code (another epic story) and mentioned the noise to one of the mechanics (sorry.. technician). He then told me it was 100% the steering rack head that was gone and would cost a packet to fix. He never checked anything but merely listened, so now I ask, does this ring true because the noise really does seem to be internal and does feel and sound like rubber in need of lubrication.
Cheers Jim

 

[glenluceblue]

Had it confirmed today by a local garage that the noise is the steering rack head. The guy from MB said yesterday they now have a kit for the head which means the whole steering rack doesn't need replacing anymore, however the dealer is now telling my local garage that I should never have been told this. They also claim that the repair/spares kit does not come up as a part on the computer but was a memo which had the part number, which they cannot find it now
Are this outfit for real ? I don't suppose anyone has had a similiar work done so I can contact another dealer elsewhere in the country ?
Cheers Jim

 

[Parrot of Doom]

http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/

Try those guys, give their number to your local garage. I wouldn't trust a mechanic at a dealer who could diagnose faults purely by listening.

 

[glenluceblue]

Thanks Parrot. I couldn't find any steering components on the site but have emailed to see if they can provide the kit.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Yes, give them your VIN and they'll be able to quote you for the bits you need. I've ordered from them before, they're very good.

 

[jberks]

I did have a squeaky rack replaced on a 210 but it was under warranty several years ago and they replaced the whole rack. This was after several attempts at lubricating the column which is what it sounded like.
The repair kit sounds possible as it must be a fairly common fault. If you get no joy from the parts desk, try MBUK Customer services, but it may be that they trialled a repair kit and it's been dropped for some reason so don't count your chickens just yet.