Steering Problems on an SLK 230K

[EddieB]

Hello All

I have a problem with my 1997 SLK 230K's steering. It is nothing too drastic, it is just a bit vague. It seems to wander around when crawling along slowly. It generally pull whichever way the camber is on the road - so usually to the left though not always (if you find yourself on an opposite camber it goes away). Occasionally, a bit of free play appears on the steering wheel - about 1" - when sitting at lights or a junction.

The brakes are new, the wheels and tyres are new, the tracking has been checked and double checked. I can only think it is a steering problem (am open to suggestion on this).

A local garage had a look at it and thought the steering rack was the fault, though they couldn't promise that would cure the problem (or was even the only problem) and suggested a Mercedes Specialist.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem may be? I don't have the time to do the work myself so would appreciate any recommendations you have about a good Merc Specialist, ideally local to Walthamstow in East London (happy to consider North London and as far as Essex if the car will be well looked after).

 

[EddieB]

Possible Solution?

Hello all,

It seems the senior members can scarcely believe that I paid an MB dealer £760 for new discs and pads all-round on my C180 (54 plate). When the work was done, I also had some suspension components replaced under warranty to cure a hard ride at the front, together with the 30k "A" service for good measure.

A thousand pounds and a thousand miles later, I now find at motorway speeds that the car wobbles and floats a bit, by occasionally pulling to the left slightly only then to swing back to the right. It also catches the ridges much more than it used to. It's like driving in strong gusty wind (even though one isn't).

What's up with the steering this time .... ? All ideas appreciated before I have to part with another four figures of cash ....

I have been rooting around, this sounds a little like the problem I have. Would this fit the symptoms I have listed?

 

[amb67]

Sounds like the steering damper is knackered.

Common on the SLK's

They are usually around £70 from an MB retailer and are a piece of cake to fit.

 

[EddieB]

Possible Solution?

I should add to the quote in the earlier post, the solution to this problem for the other user was replacement lower ball joints.

Ball joints I know, though am unfamiliar with a steering damper. I am keen to learn what things are and how they can effect the car as they do.

Thanks so far.

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

I would check the steering damper aswell,

It attaches to the steering rack/drag link, and the onto the subframe. So as the steering is turned the drag link moves form left to right and pulls the damper in or out.
It acts to smooth out the motion and absorb bumps and knocks throught the steering.

You will clearly see it on the steering rack, its a black cylinderical compontent.

Undo one end with 16mm socket, and see if it moves easilly, if it flops about its knackered, there should be quite a firm resistance.

Where abouts in london do you stay, i thing i have a brand new one sat about in my garage!


Oh i see where your from, thats near me, private messege me if you are intrested in the damper, yours for £25

 

[television]

8 in the link

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.460&CT=F&cat=45F&SID=46&SGR=120&SGN=06

 

[grpar]

I have been rooting around, this sounds a little like the problem I have. Would this fit the symptoms I have listed?

Eddie B,

My C-class was very floaty after I asked MB Brentford to investigate a hard ride at the front. They would never tell me what work they actually did, but did confess they'd changed ball joints and thrust arms (?), and I also suspect they somehow fiddled with the shockers.

The car was worse than ever, so I got MB Park Royal to look at it and do a 4-wheel alignment. All 4 wheels were out of alignment but especially the front 2 which were way off tolerance - (thanks for nothing, MB Brentford).

Car drives better but has never quite lost that slighty floaty feeling. Next service, I will ask MB Park Royal to also check the steering damper. Thanks to all for the clue ... !