Whining noise when turning steering wheel in 2003 CLK 430
For many months now I've had a problem where if I turn the steering wheel while parking the car or maneuvering at very slow speed forwards or backwards, or turning at at intersection, there's an odd noise that sounds like a cable being pulled that doesn't want to be pulled.
It sounds like it's in the steering column itself.
I took the car in months ago to an authorized MB service center and they checked lots of possible causes and nothing turned up so they said, ignore it, and gave me the car back.
The noise still happens, and it's loud enough that people turn and look at the car because it is possible to hear the whining/rope-pulling noise when the wheels are being turned.
One other data point: the left-hand tire has TERRIBLE wear that has happened VERY quickly (5000 miles). The sound started happening before the tires were bought, but I've always wondered if the tire wear is related to the steering noise problem.
Another thing -- ever since buying the front tires, there was always a tiny bit of vibration at some speeds.
Lately, the vibration has been getting worse. It's now so bad that I avoid freeways because the vibration is really bad above 60 mph.
I was hoping I could hold off for another 500 miles before taking the car to the shop (the car says "SERVICE B IN 1500 MILES" and the service place says they won't do the maintenance until it gets to 1000 miles, sigh.
Now I'll prolly have to do two repair orders, which will mean being without the car for more days, ugh...
Another thing -- ever since buying the front tires, there was always a tiny bit of vibration at some speeds.
Lately, the vibration has been getting worse. It's now so bad that I avoid freeways because the vibration is really bad above 60 mph.
I was hoping I could hold off for another 500 miles before taking the car to the shop (the car says "SERVICE B IN 1500 MILES" and the service place says they won't do the maintenance until it gets to 1000 miles, sigh.
Now I'll prolly have to do two repair orders, which will mean being without the car for more days, ugh...
Shocks/springs? Wheel alignment (especially after buying new tires)? Steering damper? Motor mounts (doubt it though)? Just some thoughts. Others will probably chiime in.
If you took your car to a dealer because it's making horrific noises, and they gave it back and said, "We have no idea what's wrong, just ignore it", then you may wish to consider contacting the regional service manager. If an independant garage gave this advice, it may be an indication that the garage is ill staffed.
At a minimum, the tire wear is due to the car needing an alignment. Getting it done at a dealership will insure that it's properly aligned, and the suspension will be inspected. The inspection will probably uncover the cause of your steering noises.
Regarding the vibration, since it started when you got new tires, it's within reason to suppose they may not have been properly balanced. Either that or one of the stick on weights may have come off.
Your interpretation of a "whine" or "rope being pulled" could be completely different than some one else's. I would take my car to the prefered shop, dealer or not, and have them go for a quick ride to pinpoint the noise. That should assist in verifying your complaint. Its obviously easier when the noise is not intermittent. If you and the service writer arent on the same page, its the blind leading the blind! Be persistent!
Steering damper. I had exactly the same thing. New damper and vibration , handling and low speed noise reolved. Cost around 60 pounds if i remember correctly.
I have a 1998 Mercedes ML320. Whenever I turn to the left side, there's always a noisy sound. It sort of sounds like clank, clank, clank. Does anyone have an idea of how to fix this problem?
For many months now I've had a problem where if I turn the steering wheel while parking the car or maneuvering at very slow speed forwards or backwards, or turning at at intersection, there's an odd noise that sounds like a cable being pulled that doesn't want to be pulled.
It sounds like it's in the steering column itself.
I took the car in months ago to an authorized MB service center and they checked lots of possible causes and nothing turned up so they said, ignore it, and gave me the car back.
The noise still happens, and it's loud enough that people turn and look at the car because it is possible to hear the whining/rope-pulling noise when the wheels are being turned.
One other data point: the left-hand tire has TERRIBLE wear that has happened VERY quickly (5000 miles). The sound started happening before the tires were bought, but I've always wondered if the tire wear is related to the steering noise problem.
i dont think the vibration and tire wear or anything are related to that initial turning sound ur talkin about ...i get that sound too when turning the wheel when parking...kinda embarassing sounding lol....n it wasnt the steering dampner cuz ive changed that and still get the sound...dono what it is but i think ive had it for all 3 yrs that ive had my car...
1998 Mercedes ML320 Noisy Sound When Turning 
Linear Mode
