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I have a 2001 E320 Base Sedan, with just over 100K miles. After driving for some time (it varies each instance, but is consistent in occurring), a steering "tightness" and vibration occurs and continues for the remainder of the driving that day. The next day, when the car is cold again, the vibration and tightness disappears but comes back later in the day when driving.I have had the steering column greased, the boot refilled, and the power steering pump reviewed, without issue. There has been a "sound" found in the steering crossbar (dont know the part name) when the car is raised and the steering when turned.The issue does not get worse, nor disappear completely. Steering is not affected other than the vibration and tightness that occurs.Any ideas?
Country: United StatesMake: Mercedes-BenzModel: E320Year: 2001 Already Tried: mechanic reviews
These models are prone to steering rack problems
They usually cause a squeek noise when turning that is often misdiagnosed as a squeeky steering column firewall boot. Those squeek too but the steering racks have problems as well.
The problem is either the power steering pump or the steering rack since that is pretty much the whole system. If you don't get a groan noise during the vibration than I doubt you have a pump problem. The power steering pump output pressure can be tested with a gauge. Just compare to cold pressure to hot pressure, they should be the same. If the pressure is ok, then it is your power steering rack. The control head is rebuildable but I wouldn't try it since you have a vibration problem which the control head rebuild won't fix.
so you're suggesting i have to replace the rack? is there an inexpensive way to do that?
Get a junkyard rack
Or "salvage yard" rack
to put a little nicer
to put it* a little nicer
They do sell remanufactured ones from the dealership but they are still expensive
Let me see if I can locate a cheaper one for you.
ok thank you.if the symptoms do not change in severity or occurrance, what is actually occuring in the rack that would cause this to happen under certain circumstances but not all the time?
I usually see the racks start acting up the warmer they get for some reason. It must be the tolerances inside that change since obviously when metal heats up it expands.
ok. thank you. i would be interested in finding the least expensive part option.
can you post your vin#?
give me a few minutes please
ok
WDBJF65J11B261102
http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=20 01-Mercedes--Benz-E320--Base--Sedan-Steering&yearid=2001%40%402001&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES%20BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6389%3ABT%7C5%3AED%7C210%3ASM%7C20%3AMBC%7C1576%40%40E320%20Base%20Sedan&catid=241580%40%40Steering&subcatid=241582@@Steering%20Rack&mode=PD
There are 2 different racks available for your car. Use the one from B040000 since your car is B261102. The only thing you need to ask a mechanic is whether or not is \
whether or not you have the parameter steering
thank you. have you found these parts to be reliable? worth the money?
I think you have the electronic valve on yours but you will have to have look to see if there is an electrical valve on your rack
I can't say that I have ever used peachparts.com but I know they have a good reputation
I work for the dealership and usually only recommend the factory remanufactured ones
but they are $1200 or more so kind of ridiculous
agreed. i just looked and they only have the rack with parameter steering in stock. any other suppliers jic?
This one is $380
You could use www.rockauto.com
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
ok thank you again
Your welcome, if I have been helpful please click accept, thank you.
one last question...looking at rockauto, is it the rack and pinion complete kit i'm looking for? with servotronic steering?
Experience: Mercedes-Benz Master Certified technician