steering wheel alignment/ off to the right

[ozzie]

I hope someone can help me i have a 270 cdi e-class on 53 plate.
the star on the steering wheel is always at the 1 o,clock poisition when driving and its really annoying me now. also it feels a little heavy when turning to the left sometimes i get a little vibration through the wheel and sounds like a pump kicking in but not sure if that's the sbc cutting in. I have had it tracked and then four wheel allignment and it's still the same. the steering wheel has always been slightly off centre since i bought it 18mths ago but having just put new rubber on the front end the handling was awfull and the wheel off to the right even more the 4 wheel alignment has helped the handling but the top of the pointed star is off to the 1 o'clock poisition. other than this the car has been great and it's a real shame as after 78,000 miles it still feels like new.
would it be okay to take it somewhere and have the steering wheel taken off and centered
I don't have lots of money to throw at it so any ideas would be welcome
regards ozzie.

 

[television]

It is a very quick job to take the wheel off and re center it.

The main thing is that the ignition must not be turned on with the air bag removed or it will store a fault code and the SRS lamp will be on.

There is a mod for the SBC pump on your car to stop the vibration coming through the steering wheel.

You need a good indie

 

[Cole@MBS]

Careful here, Dave and i have seen 2 cars in this week for ABS/ESP faults, all due to the steering wheel being out, the steering angle sensor only has a few mm of play both ways, if the steering wheel isn't straight then something on the steering/column hasnt been set up correctly!

 

[television]

Careful here, Dave and i have seen 2 cars in this week for ABS/ESP faults, all due to the steering wheel being out, the steering angle sensor only has a few mm of play both ways, if the steering wheel isn't straight then something on the steering/column hasnt been set up correctly!

My first thoughts too, has the car hit the kerb at some point knocking the center out of line and the car has now been tracked to suit.

 

[Cole@MBS]

My first thoughts too, has the car hit the kerb at some point knocking the center out of line and the car has now been tracked to suit.

Thats the prob Malc,

The kwic fit guys dont know about angle sensors etc, track the car up, steering angle sensor thinks its going around a bend when the rmp sensors are all saying the same speed!

 

[television]

Thats the prob Malc,

The kwic fit guys dont know about angle sensors etc, track the car up, steering angle sensor thinks its going around a bend when the rmp sensors are all saying the same speed!

Any idea how you find the center for the steering column as we do not get steering locks any more

 

[Cole@MBS]

You put it on star and zero point the steering angle sensor, then adjust the rest to suit!!

 

[television]

You put it on star and zero point the steering angle sensor, then adjust the rest to suit!!

Thank you,,that I understand well

 

[Trinity]

I have this problem with my A-class merc after having the tracking 'done' at a tyre place. My garage are great guys but only knew to go by what the diagnostic said which was that the steering angle sensor needed replacing (£200 plus £100 labour). Was great speaking to Mr Merc Mobile Tech but sadly he lives too far away to carry out work on my car (Which happens to be the most unreliable in the world and has cost me approx £2000 to do only 3000 miles!).
I can't afford to spend money on this car I don't have to - so would like to know if there is someone I can trust (Being a non-mechanic girl) who knows Mercs, is near Leicester and can be my mechanic?

Cheers

Trin x

 

[television]

www.mercland

 

[mikestrivens]

I think Malcolm means http://www.mercland.com/ as the place with .co.uk is a different sort of organisation.

 

[television]

I think Malcolm means http://www.mercland.com/ as the place with .co.uk is a different sort of organisation.

Thank you very much and correct

 

[kth286]

Ozzie

It is simply a matter of shortening one tie rod on on side and lengthening the other tie rod on the opposite side an equal amount.

The wheel will then be centred BUT importantly the tracking will not have moved from its position.

You will also find that the self cancelling winkers etc etc work better too.

You do need somebody that is very familiar with the job to get it right, but it should be very quick so not heavy on costs.

Where you located as someone may be able to recommend.

 

[wheels-inmotion]

I think the problem is Geometric...... Maybe this will help explain> http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/tech-axisdev.php

 

[ozzie]

thanks for the reply have to say i don't know much about how cars work i just want to turn the key and go.
I live in birmingham so i need to take it somewhere safe that won't rip me off thinking just because i own a merc i can pay anything. i guess i'm looking for ideas that i can ask whoever to check for me and keep ruleing things out.
I'ts a shame i've wanted a merc for many years and have been very happy i allways have a smile when i open the door but this steering problem is really buging me though i still love the brand and forums like this are great if the problem persists i'll have to live with it because i can't afford to chang for a couple of years yet.
thinking of taking a drive down the m40 to the wheels in motion people but wary of handing over £200 just to find it's the same .

 

[Number_Cruncher]

>>What about simple track rod end adjustment to correct the steering wheel alignment

Yes, that's what I would be doing.

 

[television]

>>What about simple track rod end adjustment to correct the steering wheel alignment

Yes, that's what I would be doing.

If the steering wheel has never been taken off that would fix it for sure

 

[Rory]

I live in birmingham

BMTR in Perry Barr are recommended by a couple of forum members:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showpost.php?p=249438&postcount=21

 

[Bryann]

I had my steering wheel re aligned 2 years ago, they centralise the wheel then lock it into position with a tool then adjust the track using laser front to back, the wheel was spot on so was the tracking

Bryan

 

[The Rock]

My local dealer tried 3 times to get my steering wheel straight via their laser guided super dooper 4 wheel alignment geometry setup diagnostic gizmo - all to no avail. I had to ask them to get it central by turning the track-rods, which they did, and now it's spot-on.

Sometimes the old way is the best way.

Rock