[bgolawbgo]

I have over 35,000 miles on my 2003 G500. Steering shock was replaced with the new shock at about 20,000, without correcting the steering wheel vibration. The dealer has now replaced the steering gear box, along with a new lower control arm and a new steering shock. This is the 2nd G500 my dealer has replaced a faulty gear box on. I do not know if the gear box has been redesigned. This followed replacement of tie rods & drag link and removing siezed ball joints in 12/04.

I think the vibration is finally gone, although I want to put a few more miles on to be certain. My experience suggests that there is more to the steering wheel vibration issue than just the shock and/or bushings.

 

[The_Analyst]

Glad to hear that your problem is solved.
What kind of vibration did you have?
The Analyst

 

[bgolawbgo]

Steering wheel would vibrate from side to side, usually at 50-60 mph. More noticable when cold, but it could happen at any time. Bumpy roads would start it but so would driving on the interstate. The problem would come and go, but would occur pretty much every day. The steering wheel would move side to side when hitting a bump. The descriptions of the problem in prior forums which discussed a new steering wheel shock and/or bushings were pretty close to what I experienced. Getting this problem addressed seriously required dealing directly with the head of the service department. Mercedes is well aware of the numerous problems with this vehicle but likes to pretend that nothing is wrong. The information from this web site has given me the necessary information to confront them and get problems adressed.

 

[saigonsmuggler]

I have a 3/04 production '04 G500 and i have the steering vibration at 50-60 mph on a cold start. I have 14,000 miles. I have noticed it the past 1500 miles. I am weary of bringing in my G to the MB dealer.

 

[nadd]

guys, if you are having trouble with vibrations, i'd advise doing a search on the forum and you'd be surprised what turns up; tire balancing has a lot to do with the steering wheel vibration, check out
http://benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1193148&posts=9&hl=balancing+vibration

also as a future piece of advise (which has been repeated once or twice b4 lol) always try a search on the forum before asking a question, as it may save you and other members time and frustration as many topics keep coming up time and again..and this forum is really turning into a goldmine for G info.

 

[JRW]

I have 03 500 with 35,000 miles on it. I have had mine replaced 2x so far, and it's going in next week for the 3rd time.

It feels like your going to loose control of the vehicle. If it was the tires the vibration wouldn't be that bad (unless your tires are really bad)

I am curious if anyone has had an accident due to this on going problem. Fist time it happened to me I almost did.

 

[saigonsmuggler]

If the steering damper is worn out, then why would the vibration stop after you drive a while???? If it's worn out, then the vibration should get WORST as you drive, right??

BTW, i know all about the previous topics. I was just commenting on my experience in this thread. And i think that this thread is quite informative because there is new information about the vibration. And, NO, no one has answered the above question.[]

 

[ewalberg]

I had the same experience. As mine was wearing out, it was worse in the cold evenings, and got better after a driving a few minutes. Then just before my new one arrived it got bad enough to my taste that i didn't want to drive at highway speeds. All i did was change the damper and she drove better than when i bought the truck. I'll be replacing my non-stock damper again after about 15k miles to see how it feels... i'm starting to think the one i've got is already getting just a little lazy. This is a part i think saves a lot of money in the long run changeing sooner than later.

Why did it perform better after driving for a few minutes? I don't know. Fluid is more viscous when cold so it's should seem likely to get better with cold temps, but maybe it has more to do with seals warming up, swelling, and holding pressure better.

 

[bgolawbgo]

I have read the prior forums. I replaced my tires at about 30,000 miles. They were balanced and alignment was done-no change whatsoever. The dealer had claimed that worn tires were my problem. This work was done by an independent shop. In fact, I had a 2nd alignment done by the dealer because a sensor related to the indicator light showing loss of traction (light would not go out) was replaced by the dealer, and per the dealer required an alignment to calibrate the sensor.