Top mounts gone? Steering problem

[hod05]

On my 2010 E class the steering makes creeking noises when turning at slow speed or dry steering like in a car park. It sometimes makes a pop noise this happens most often on uneven ground and this can be felt through the wheel.

It's feels like the spring coil has skipped instead of rotating smoothly. The steering wheel doesn't self center smoothly and is very slow to center.

I'm thinking it's the top mounts? Any ideas? I've taken to one garage who said they couldn't find play anywhere but would failed top mount bearing cause play?

Something is definitely not quite right with the suspension at the front end because the front tyres have worn unequal with the drivers side much more worn than the passenger side. Any ideas?

 

[bembo449]

it could be a number of components pal , so I think best you get it diagnosed and replace the correct fault / failed parts

 

[mattkh]

....... Any ideas? I've taken to one garage who said they couldn't find play anywhere but would failed top mount bearing cause play? Any ideas?

Were you there when the garage tested it? Did they do a dry parking test or a road test?
Assuming that they just tested the steering for any 'play' in it, I suspect it is a broken spring in the front suspension but the break is very close to the seat, hence making it difficult to see.
Which side do you hear the pop sound?

 

[hod05]

Were you there when the garage tested it? Did they do a dry parking test or a road test?
Assuming that they just tested the steering for any 'play' in it, I suspect it is a broken spring in the front suspension but the break is very close to the seat, hence making it difficult to see.
Which side do you hear the pop sound?

I was not there but they said they had it on a ramp and checked all the control arms tie rods etc for play or wear. I don't know if they drove it.

I'd say it's coming from the drivers side. I'd say the steering feels off too but not easy to describe sometimes it feels like the steering wheel is bieng tugged and following ruts in the road. And it feels stiffer than usual.

 

[mattkh]

Thanks. My plan would be:

1. Inflate the front tyres to the required pressure.
2. Top up steering fluid. Leave the cap unscrewed. Drive the car onto a glossy magazine at each front wheel. Do a few dry steering turns from lock to lock, without stopping at full lock. Screw back the cap. Any improvement?
3. Get the front tracking done.

 

[hod05]

Thanks. My plan would be:

1. Inflate the front tyres to the required pressure.
2. Top up steering fluid. Leave the cap unscrewed. Drive the car onto a glossy magazine at each front wheel. Do a few dry steering turns from lock to lock, without stopping at full lock. Screw back the cap. Any improvement?
3. Get the front tracking done.

I could try this. The tracking was already done and made an improvement but didn't solve the problem.

The most annoying thing is the lack of self center on the steering wheel. Usually I have to center it myself because its too slow to return.

I'm guessing you suspect an airlock in the system? I'm going to try a different garage. The tracking was done and it made no difference to uneven wear.

 

[bembo449]

id be getting the front corner up off the floor and see what the garage has missed , as suggested , a broken coil spring could defo cause all your symptoms and I very much doubt it will be related the steering rack