[surbenzolot]

I can feel some rattling when I go over multiple bumps in the road.Its noticable when I hold the wheel tight.Nothing crazy but some movement in the steering shaft is definitly there.Is it some what normal.I've only had my 02 ML for about 3 months and I have a year left in warranty.So I would like to fix all the clitches.

 

[Orlando]

surbenzolot - 1/19/2005 1:15 AM

I can feel some rattling when I go over multiple bumps in the road.Its noticable when I hold the wheel tight.Nothing crazy but some movement in the steering shaft is definitly there.Is it some what normal.I've only had my 02 ML for about 3 months and I have a year left in warranty.So I would like to fix all the clitches.

I had a slight intermittent rattle when going over bumps, particularly if I was turning. I had these entries on the service order when the problem was fixed:

615 W93
1 000-983-89-10 Felt Strip

"R&R steering column with shaft, DW to applied felt."

You may want to go with your SA, or technician, on a test ride to make sure that your problem is correctly identified.

 

[geralmjcj]

If there is movement on the steering wheel or "play" have your Front ball joints checked, it may need replacement, usually the lower ball joint go bad first.

 

[surbenzolot]

Are ball joints covered under waranty?I've had my ML in for allignment twice. the first time I complained that it was still going to the right a little.The second time it was in I asked if there was any suspension related problems causing it t go right.They said everything checked out fine.I also had a tech drive it and he said it was fine.All the techs also don't drive benz's ,so when they take one out for a road test it seems fine to them because it's better than what there used to.How would I be able to tell if a ball joint was no good?

 

[geralmjcj]

some dealers outsource their alignment service, so figure out what actually they told you, they are not the one checking the car. Firsyt, check the front tires see if the it is wearing out uneven. or jack up both front wheels/tires, inspect the ball joints, if the rubber cover is already torn or some grease is leaking it might be bad. try also to rock the wheels/tires and see if there is play of the wheels/tires, as I've mentioned it is usually the lower ball joint that goes bad first. Or go to a local tire/alignment shop and have it checked, they will even show you if it is bad or not and they usually do it for free(check-up).If one is bad you have to change both(as in both lower ball joints).