Does Your Mercedes-Benz Have Loose Front End Steering?
By Bavarian Performance Specialists February 25, 2019
You rely on your steering system to keep you on course and help you maneuver turns. If your Mercedes-Benz steering feels loose, you need to get it checked out right away. If your Mercedes-Benz steering is loose it can be a serious matter that could end up being dangerous. It can be a scary experience driving your vehicle when you feel like you don’t have complete control of it. Letting this issue continue can be dangerous and you may find that you cannot handle the vehicle at an essential moment.
Steering System Components
Steering systems are composed of three basic groups of components.
1. Rack and Pinion or Steering Box
Connects the steering wheel to the steering column.
2. Linkages
Connects the rack and pinion or steering box to the wheel assemblies.
3. Front Suspension
Holds the tires in place and allows the wheel assemblies to pivot.
Identifying the Problem
The first step is to pinpoint the possible cause of your issue. Your mechanic can usually find worn components by performing a visual inspection. The most common reason for loose front end steering in your Mercedes-Benz is worn tie rods. You may also notice knocking noises from loose components when hitting bumps, the steering wheel may vibrate or your vehicle may wander from left to right while traveling down the road.
Tie rods connect your steering wheel to the rack and pinion or steering box. Tie rods are responsible for telling your wheels to move when you turn your steering wheel. They will experience wear over time and this will make them less responsive leading to loose steering.
Contact in the rack and pinion or steering box can change over time leading to “free play” in your steering. Sometimes this issue can be fixed with an adjustment and other times the entire box or rack unit will need to be replaced.
Another common problem that leads to your Mercedes-Benz having loose front end steering is worn ball joints. Ball joints connect your wheel hubs to the suspension components. Improper lubrication is the main reason for ball joint failure. If one is worn out or damaged, it may no longer be able to hold your tire in place. This will lead to looseness in your steering and sometimes there will be a loud banging noise.
Have Your Mercedes-Benz Serviced Regularly
Keeping up on regular maintenance can help your mechanic see any issues that you may have before a serious problem occurs. Having loose steering isn’t fun and can lead to an accident due to the fact that you do not have an accurate perception of where your car is heading. If you think that you may have an issue with your steering make sure to let us know. Our highly skilled mechanics will perform a thorough inspection, so they can diagnose the issue and fix the problem.
We Can Tighten Your Steering
Here at Bavarian Performance Specialist, we will diagnose your steering issues and fix your problem as quickly as we possibly can. Our knowledgeable mechanics will provide you with the top-end service that you are looking for.
We have an extensive parts warehouse, so we can get your vehicle fixed fast so you don’t have to waste your valuable time sitting around waiting for us to get the parts that we need. Most shops only stock a very small selection of parts so they have to order what they need. Time is wasted waiting for parts and when they finally arrive they can be the wrong ones. While other companies are waiting on parts, we can be fixing your problem. We understand that your time is important, and we want to get you back on the road as quickly as we possibly can.
Give us a Call
Here at Bavarian Performance Specialist, our mechanics are experts at what they do, and they can take care of whatever German or European auto repair that you have. If you are experiencing loose steering or another problem with your Mercedes-Benz call us today to book your appointment. You can reach us on 805-495-3191. Or come see us at 3121 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. #1, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. We service the areas of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu and Newbury Park, CA.
* Mercedes-Benz E-class image credit goes to: y_carfan.