Hey, I just recently bought a 1986 300e, I'm happy with it for the price I have paid but have a little problem with the steering, when I bought it I did not notice it was there so I take it whatever the problem was bodged up quick before sale, it sat for about a week, when I finally was able to take it out I noticed a horrible groan sound when turning the wheel even the slightest, the car does nudge itself left and right a little, not enough to be a serious risk to anyone's safety though, when I turn the car off and turn the wheel it still does it, I hear a similar groan coming from the suspension a little, I am a noob when it comes to repairing cars but I really would love this car to be the car I learn on, I want to do it all myself.
Its coming from the front of the car, I just rocked the front of the car from drivers side and it sounds like rubbing like something needs lubing groaning is the wrong word to use, it seems like it is coming from the suspension but should it make this noise so much when turning the wheel if its the suspention, it is the same noise when turning the wheel when I rock the front of the car.
I would put ball joints at the top of the list of suspects.
Try this for a test. With the engine at idle, turn the wheel hard left to full lock. Open driver door and jump up&down on the scuff plate. Repeat with the wheel at full lock to the right and jumping on the passenger side scuff plate.
You don't want to drive with bad ball joints because when the joint fails it will cause the suspension to collapse potentially causing a accident due to loss of steering. At best, it'll cause body damage.
The noise can be temporarily hushed up by applying some grease, but that does not cure the problem.
Inspect and repair at once. If the boot covering the ball joint is cracked, that is usually the tell tale sign.
Only use genuine MB or Lemfoerder ball joints. Do not get tempted into saving a few dollars by buying URO or other brands.
I have looked up some videos on the sound of bad ball joints and i sure you have all got it, I've just had a lot of time off work been sick, I don't have the money and won't for a couple weeks are there any tell tale signs that they are about to fail?, i have to drive on a freeway to get to work, also is this the kind of work a novice should be doing himself, is there much room for error?
The noise you are hearing IS the sign they are about to fail!!!
You can make this a DIY job, provided you know what you are doing and you have access to a hydraulic press. If you're "gonna wing it" you could end up in the ER or the morgue. No joke!!!
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
