ML 320 - Turning Rough - Benzworld.org

mdmochoruk · 07-19-2005, 07:57 AM

Hi Everyone-

Have a quick question... I purchased a used 1998 ML320 back in March and since then everytime i turn it feels very rough and almost like a grinding and a vibration through the steering wheel. The dealership is trying to tell me this is because it is 4 wheel drive. I have owned other 4 wheel drive vehicles and never experienced this. Then he said well, it's like that in all ML320's so I was just wondering if any of you experience this with your vehicles or if he's just trying to get out of fixing the problem.

Thanks!
~Michelle

MLOffRoad · 07-19-2005, 08:02 AM

Does this happen when you are accelerating and turning, coasting and turing, and or turning the wheels while stopped ?? It will help in diagnosing the problem.

Mine does some slight vibrating only during turning and accelerating and while coasting, but this is only due to my aggressive tires. Mine never did this with street tires, so I would think he is trying to get out of fixing it.

treeman5 · 07-19-2005, 08:20 AM

My 01' ML320 does not make any sound when turning. I only get a slight vibration when I crank the wheel to extreme left or right and jump on the gas...but but definitely not from the steering wheel.

**ttaleric** · 07-19-2005, 09:31 AM

My ML430 Shakes taking slow tight turns. I have tried to do everything, but it seems not to effect anything on the truck.

bigcatny · 07-19-2005, 09:44 AM

In the ML's till '00 the torque split is 50/50 which will result in binding during tight radius turns. This feels like slight grinding and some mild vibration in the steering wheel. I've only felt this at full wheel lock turning which naturally is also low speed. They changed the split slightly to like 51/49 to alleviate this in later model years. Doesn't seem to hurt the car. If it's happening any other time it may be transmission issues or something else. Then please go ahead and answer the questions posted earlier.

mdmochoruk · 08-05-2005, 07:26 AM

Thanks so much for all of your help! [:)]

Drew · 08-05-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

bigcatny - 7/19/2005 9:44 AM
They changed the split slightly to like 51/49 to alleviate this in later model years.

It was moved to 48/52 for the 1999.5+ model years [:)]

Wolfgang · 08-05-2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Drew - 8/5/2005 11:08 AM

Quote:

bigcatny - 7/19/2005 9:44 AM
They changed the split slightly to like 51/49 to alleviate this in later model years.

It was moved to 48/52 for the 1999.5+ model years [:)]

And for early ones could be exchanged under warranty. [:)]

Until 10-19-98 production: 50/50
From 10-19-98 production: 48/52

Noodles · 08-10-2005, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the production dates.
No wonder I have not experienced this issue.
Build date for our 430 is 11-98

LOCHS 2 · 08-10-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Noodles - 8/10/2005 8:02 PM

Thanks for the production dates.
No wonder I have not experienced this issue.
Build date for our 430 is 11-98

and very little issue with tight turns but there is some energy torque throughout the drivetrain and you can feel a bit of the force as the power transfers among the four wheels at low speeds. You want total disconbobulation? Try a Nissan Xterra in 4WD on dry pavement turning at low speeds...the tires will squeal!