Mercedes-Benz steering & suspension repair questions and answers
Post your Mercedes-Benz steering & suspension question or share what you know by answering questions
Browse Mercedes-Benz Categories
- Preventive Maintenance
- Steering & Suspension
- Transmissions & Drivetrains
256 Questions
-
How do I fix the controls on my steering wheel?diamond7two - 2003 Mercedes Benz C230 - Steering & Suspension - 4/28/2013The controls on the left side of my steering wheel have stopped working. These are the controls that are used to access computer information like my mileage. Is this from a fuse that needs to be changed?-
4/28/2013 JimmThere are only three connections from the switch group to the clockspring. If half works and half doesn't it will be a bad switch group. There is also the possibility of loose wires or connection on the switches on that side. All of the controls on the steering wheel are just input switches to a SAM using one of the serial data busses in the car. None of them switch any direct power like the switches from the older generation of cars.
You may need to replace the switch group (either left or right sides) on the steering wheel. Check with the dealership and provide your VIN number for the correct part.
4/30/2013 diamond7twoThank you Jimm.
-
-
My R350 is tilted on the front and rear of the passenger sidenrc - 2006 Mercedes Benz R350 - Steering & Suspension - 4/11/2013The indicator is showing check tire pressure and to reactiveate flat tire indicator. Tire pressures are normal on all wheels. -
Every pot hole/ bump very loud from the front end I was told $1900 replaces sway/balljoints all. Dad cannot not findlschors - 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 - Steering & Suspension - 4/5/2013Dad is a retired mechanic (40+yrs) nothing is loose, all looks good. What could be the cause; a cadilac dealer told me it was something with the strut, maybe a gasket. (my car was in for collision repair)-
4/5/2013 JimmSeveral possibilities; faulty / worn strut mount (upper or lower), faulty / worn control arm bushing, faulty / worn sway arm bushings or end links.
Check the 'How-To-Guides' feature on the AutoMD wesite for the specific steps to check the front end and suspension for wear. Do not overpay by $1900.00 until the exact cause of the problem is determined. Get a second, or even a third opinion / estimate as necessary.
Check the many on-line auto parts sources, such as; www.autopartswarehouse.com, www.rockauto.com,, or www.partsgeek.com - to list only a few. For example, they (RockAuto) list the front strut mount (upper) from around $58.00 (per side) and the front left or right upper control arm (includes ball joints and bushings) assembly from around $42.00 each for your vehicle.
There are less expensive means to accomplish the required repairs.
-
-
Car sits 3" too high after new springs and shockschrishumphrey - 2007 Mercedes Benz E350 - Steering & Suspension - 4/5/2013I have a 2007 E350 that had a broken strut on the drivers side and a bent one on the passenger side (front). The dealer replaced the springs and shocks with new OEM parts. The front of the car now sits at least 3" too high in the front. This car does not have the ...-
4/5/2013 JimmFirst question - how many miles driven since the springs and struts were replaced? Second question - was there a wheel alignment performed? If yes, the shop who peformed the wheel alignment should have reported and then adjusted the ride height.
Typically, the new springs and struts will 'settle' to the more standard ride height - given mileage and driving. You should expect the ride height to return to normal or new condition over a period of time. -
4/5/2013 HouseCallAutoTake it back and question them about the height. It sounds like it is too high from what you describe but there is a specification for chassis that is measured certain specific reference points. Ask the service manager to settle your concerns by showing you the spec for height and then measuring in your presence. The specs cannot lie. I already checked to see if these specs are published and they seem not to be. But this is Mercedes and they should have all the technical print to show you. You have a valid concern. print this and show it to the service manager. He will then look at you and will have to give a reasonable answer.
-
-
Is their a height adjustment for my rear suspension, and my trunk and door vacuum works intermittentlyDion G - 1993 Mercedes Benz 600SEL - Steering & Suspension - 3/20/2013-
3/20/2013 racel4750Coul be the weight sensors are faulty. During all wheel alignment vehicle height is also checked and adjusted to specs.
-
-
How much to replace 2 front manual struts? total for parts and laborlori1079 - 2009 Mercedes Benz R350 - Steering & Suspension - 3/19/2013-
3/19/2013 JimmCheck the many on-line parts sources; such as www.RockAuto.com, www.autopartswarehouse.com, or www.autopartsfair.com, or www.partsfair.com - for the replacement parts.
For example, they (Parts Fair) lists the front strut assemblies from around $173.00 each. The labor to replace should be around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to replace - the labor costs will vary by the individual repair shop. Be sure to have a front end alignment done when the struts are replaced.
-
-
Why does the right rear tire scrape the wheel well when I hit a bump or dip.mlace1019 - 2003 Mercedes Benz CL55 AMG - Steering & Suspension - 3/18/2013Only on the right side, no problems with the left -
I replaced front wheel bearings,and sealsrickydavis515 - 2006 Mercedes Benz S430 - Steering & Suspension - 2/23/2013.Then test drove the car it had hesitation and 3 malfunction warnings came up on dash.the (ESP and brake assist and air ride)-
2/23/2013 HouseCallAutoI would say that it is required at this point to identify the numeric fault codes that are now stored for the abs which may also cause other systems to also turn the warning lights on. Example: an abs fault on most cars will also turn on a suspension control warning light if so equipped (in this case the light is for the Electronic Stability program or ESP) and definitely the traction control light, so I believe that your problem is directly related to the abs wheel speed sensors which may have become damaged during the wheel bearing repairs. Recheck your work, read fault codes. You will need a code reader that can access MB abs system.
-
-
Car horn blows spuradically notice it does it most of the time when I go to make a turn. Can I disconnect it?kdcooke - 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320 - Steering & Suspension - 2/17/2013-
2/17/2013 JimmCheck the horn buttons and horn wiring at the steering wheel - these may be corroded or out-of-position. -
2/17/2013 HouseCallAutoRemove fuse # 37 in the engine compartment fuse panel to disable the horn. This is a 20 amp fuse.
-
-
Steering is stiff and virtually impossibleDori - 2001 Mercedes Benz ML430 - Steering & Suspension - 2/1/2013Happened all of a sudden. Cannot steer out of parking lot-
2/1/2013 JimmSeveral possibilities; low power steering fluid level, faulty / worn power steering pump, power steering pump drive belt is faulty / slipping, faulty / worn steering rack and pinion unit.
-
-
What could cause a thumping noise coming from the rear at the rate of acceleration?Michael - 1988 Mercedes Benz 300SE - Steering & Suspension - 1/30/2013When the car accelerates there is a thumping noise coming from the rear of the car. It starts to thump faster as the car accelerates harder. I thought it was the flex discs but, it seems as if those have no tears. I also think it may be the bushings or half shafts ...-
1/30/2013 tibany5Recently I got ml500 2005 model and I experienced the same described noise, but this noise noted when stopping, shifting to D from N, shifting from D to N, run over humps, so probably it is generated from one or more supporting mounts, because I changed the rear brake discs and pads, but I’m still living with this noise … I’m going to the workshop when I get a chance …
-
-
Put wrong power steering fluid in car. Can it be flush outbailey - 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 - Steering & Suspension - 1/25/2013Will wrong fluid hurt car-
1/25/2013 JimmWhat is the wrong fluid? If it needs to be flushed or removed - simply loosen and remove the return hose connection and drain the fluid into an oil drain pan - when cranking the engine momentarily to operate the steering pump.
-
-
2007 S550 Steering gets stiff after 10 MPHjjpidgeon - 2007 Mercedes Benz S550 - Steering & Suspension - 1/20/2013After reaching 10 MPH I got multiple alarms - ABS, Park Assist, Distronic cruise control, night vision - and at the same time the steering got stiff. The steering is fine below 10 MPH even after getting alarms. The dealer found codes 5964, 5945, 5962, 5944, 5906, ... -
ADS light on in cluster without fault codegayan2008 - 1998 Mercedes Benz S600 - Steering & Suspension - 1/16/2013When initial start at cold ADS light on, after drive few km light will go off. But not showing any fault code with star diagnosis. Checked the oil level and bleed the system still same, please advise what is the next step -
I would like to convert from air ride to struts will a shock absorber and strut assembly work or conversion kit suggestbrianblockwood - 2002 Mercedes Benz S430 - Steering & Suspension - 1/15/2013