If you have ever driven a car with loose front-end steering, especially a classy car such as a Mercedes, you will understand how it feels. Not only does it make the driving experience less enjoyable, but it is also dangerous for everyone on the road.
The main purpose of the steering in your Mercedes is to enable the driver to change the direction of the car. When the driver rotates the steering wheel, the movement is transmitted through the steering column and steering gear, causing the wheels to move in the intended direction. Let’s look at how you can know when the steering is failing and ways to fix a loose steering in your beloved Mercedes.
How To Know You Have Loose Front End Steering
- Steering Wheel Play: If you find that your steering wheel shakes unnecessarily before the wheels begin to rotate, this is the first indication that the steering is loose. This extra play in the steering wheel implies that there is a lag between the time when you turn the wheel and the time when the car does so, which makes the steering system less accurate.
- Noise When Turning: Any odd noise like a clunking sound when one turns the steering wheel is a clear sign that the steering parts are either worn or loose. Such noises originate from parts that have loose movements or are not tightly fixed on the vehicle.
Addressing the Problems Associated with Front Steering
- Inspect Steering Components: The first thing is to check some of the steering parts such as the tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushing, and the steering rack. These parts are critical for an accurate control of a Mercedes steering system. Any of these parts may be worn or damaged and they will have to be replaced to have a smooth steering.
- Check Wheel Bearings: The mechanic will then turn his attention to the wheel bearings and attempt to determine if they are worn out or not. The function of the bearing is to ensure that the wheels turn and run as efficiently as possible. If they are worn out or loose, then they should be replaced to prevent any steering problems and for a comfortable drive.
- Align the Wheels: Wheel alignment is important for stability of steering so that the wheels are in the right position. Your mechanic will straighten the wheels to the required angles that are recommended by your car manufacturer. This process helps the car to move in a straight line and also to have better handling to prevent cases of uneven wearing of the tires and increase safety while driving.
- Check Power Steering Fluid: The power steering fluid will be examined and the mechanic will look for signs of leakage. Power steering fluid is important for smooth and precise control of the vehicle’s wheels. If the fluid is low or leaking, it will affect the responsiveness of the steering mechanism in extreme ways. The mechanic will add more of the fluid and seal any possible crack to ensure that the power steering system is working properly.
- Test Drive: When all that is required to be done has been done, your car will be taken by the mechanic for a road test. This is an important step to check that the steering is responsive, tight, and without problems. The test drive also ensures that all the problems that may have been discovered while diagnosing your Mercedes are solved and that the car handles appropriately on the road.
You Can Count On Our Mercedes Specialists For Repairs In Oakland
If you are looking for a trusted garage for your Mercedes you can stop at Germany’s Best Inc. because we guarantee our clients that the repairs and maintenance services are going to be done by professional mechanics. We have been serving the Oakland, CA community for more than 25 years.
If you hear unusual noises or feel that the front end steering of your Mercedes is loose or has developed some problem, then you should bring your car to us and we will repair it for you. We also extend our services to drivers from Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont, CA. Contact us now for your next Mercedes service appointment at 510-658-8948.