Mercedes-Benz Steering
Your Mercedes-Benz steering system is essential for control, safety, comfort, and overall driving experience. Mercedes-Benz, as a luxury manufacturer, places a premium on the quality and performance of its steering systems to meet the expectations of its customers and maintain its brand’s reputation.
However, like any make and model, the Mercedes steering system components could experience wear and tear over time, and will need maintenance and replacements to keep them in full and safe working order.
At Shires Garage, we have a highly skilled team of Mercedes experts on hand to solve any steering issues, so if you are hearing strange noises or having trouble controlling your vehicle and you are in need of steering diagnostics and repairs, our team will get you back on the road safely.
In this blog, we discuss how the steering system works, why it’s important to maintain it and what the potential cause of a grinding or whining noise in your vehicle could be.
Let’s dive deeper into the possible causes.
How the Mercedes Steering System Works
Mercedes-Benz, like most modern vehicles, employs a power-assisted steering system that enhances the driver’s control and comfort when steering the car. The specific operation of the system can vary depending on the model and technology used, but here is a general overview of how a power-assisted steering system typically works:
Steering Wheel: Turning the steering wheel initiates the process of changing the vehicle’s direction.
Steering Column: When the driver turns the steering wheel, it rotates a shaft that connects to the steering column.
Steering Gearbox: In older Mercedes models, a hydraulic power steering gearbox may be used. However, many modern Mercedes vehicles use an electric power steering (EPS) system. In an EPS system, an electric motor assists with steering rather than hydraulic pressure. This motor is controlled by the vehicle’s computer system.
Steering Sensors: Various sensors, such as the steering angle sensor and vehicle speed sensor, continuously monitor the driver’s steering inputs and the vehicle’s speed. These sensors provide important data to the vehicle’s control unit.
Control Unit: The control unit processes data from the sensors and calculates the amount of steering assistance required. It adjusts the electric motor’s output to provide the appropriate level of assistance, which can vary depending on factors like vehicle speed, driving conditions, and driver input.
Assistive Force: The electric motor generates additional force to assist the driver’s steering effort. This assistance makes it easier to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking. At higher speeds, the system may reduce assistance to enhance stability and driver control.
Safety Features: Many Mercedes-Benz vehicles also incorporate safety features related to the steering system. These may include lane-keeping assist, adaptive steering, and various driver assistance systems that use steering inputs to help keep the vehicle in its lane, maintain a safe following distance, and assist with parking.
The Mercedes steering system, whether it’s hydraulic or electric, is designed to enhance driver control, comfort, and safety. It adapts to different driving conditions and provides assistance as needed while maintaining a connection between the driver and the road for a premium driving experience. However, specific technologies and features can vary between different Mercedes-Benz models and years.
Common Causes of Mercedes-Benz Steering Noise
If you’re experiencing unusual noises when steering your Mercedes-Benz, it can be a sign of an underlying issue with the steering system or related components. Common causes of steering noise in Mercedes-Benz vehicles can include:
- Low Power Steering Fluid: Insufficient power steering fluid can cause a whining or groaning noise when turning the steering wheel.
- Worn Power Steering Pump: The power steering pump can develop issues over time, leading to noise when it’s failing. A worn or failing power steering pump may produce whining or squealing noises.
- Damaged Power Steering Hoses: Cracked or damaged power steering hoses can cause fluid leaks, leading to noise and potential steering issues. A hissing noise may indicate a leaking hose.
- Steering Rack or Gearbox Issues: Problems with the steering rack or gearbox can result in clunking or knocking noises when steering. This will require a professional inspection and potential replacement of these components.
- Ball Joint or Tie Rod Wear: Worn ball joints or tie rod ends can cause clunking or clicking noises when turning the steering wheel. These components connect the steering system to the wheels and are essential for proper steering control.
- Tyre Issues: Irregular tyre wear or damaged tyres can cause noise during steering manoeuvres. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition.
- Lubrication: Lack of lubrication in various steering components, such as the steering column or universal joints, can lead to creaking or squeaking noises.
- Faulty Steering Column: In some cases, a problem within the steering column itself, such as a loose or damaged component, can cause noise when steering.
To diagnose and address steering noises in your Mercedes-Benz, we will always recommend you speak to a qualified technician, like the team of Mercedes experts here at Shires Garage. Our experienced mechanics will carry out a comprehensive inspection and identify the exact source of the noise, ensuring that any necessary repairs or maintenance are completed correctly. Ignoring steering noise can lead to more significant issues and compromise vehicle safety.
Should You Drive with Strange Steering Noises?
If you hear strange noises while steering your Mercedes, it’s best to stop driving, especially if the noise is accompanied by changes in how the car steers or warning lights on the dashboard. Continuing to drive in such conditions can be unsafe and could lead to more significant problems. Instead, consult a mechanic, like the Mercedes experts here at Shires Garage, to figure out the issue and whether it’s safe to drive or if immediate repairs are necessary. Safety should always be a top priority.
Maintaining Your Mercedes-Benz Steering System
To ensure your Mercedes steering system is in the best condition, we recommend letting the professionals take care of your luxury vehicle for you. A certified Mercedes-Benz garage, like Shires Garage, can provide essential maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep your steering system in top shape.
Regular steering system checks can identify early signs of wear, damage, or leaks and can catch issues before they become major problems. Our team will change the power steering fluid, inspect and repair belts and other components, align your wheels correctly, and check suspension and tyres. If there are issues, we have the tools and knowledge to fix them first-time. We only use genuine Mercedes parts or high-quality equivalents, and will follow all Mercedes-Benz maintenance recommendations.
At Shires Garage, we have a highly skilled team of Mercedes experts on hand to solve any steering issues and get your system working as it should, removing unwanted noises, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
