Hi,
I have recently replaced at a local MB Center
the Lower Control Arm Bushings and performed Front End Alignment.
While the car goes extremely straight (I can let my arms go off the wheel at 80 mph and it does not veer) I do not have the sense of a secure drive at this speed. The steering remains very sensitive to my hands and responds even to a slight left/right swing. The sensation is that my car nose glides on the ice.
I was expecting a different behavior at a higher speed, namely that the steering should become very firm and more resistant to my turning the wheel - but that does not happen at all!

What is wrong?
Should I check the alignment (do back end), tires or anything else?

Stan. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420

Tire Type: 215/55R16

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[This message has been edited by slevin (edited 07-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by slevin (edited 07-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by slevin (edited 07-27-2000).]

It would help if you told us the year of your E420. I find the stock 195/65HR15's on pre-'95 cars make the car "wobbly".

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1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W124 - Black Pearl/Black)

Just a thought, but maybe the front tires are over inflated. When I take my car into the shop, the Techs almost always over inflate them. When they are, the steering does seem more responsive (sensitive) to movement. I would make sure the tires are at the proper inflation when they are cold.

Nolan

quote:

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Originally posted by DuckMuck:
It would help if you told us the year of your E420. I find the stock 195/65HR15's on pre-'95 cars make the car "wobbly".

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DuckMuck, thank you for your reply.

I have a 1997 E420 with 215/55R16 tires
rated 93H.
Could it be the wrong tire pressure that causes that kind of "wobbly" behaviour?
I am not sure what is the right pressure for
the front and rear wheels.

Stan.

If the newer MBs are anything like the older ones, the proper tire pressure should be listed on the inside of the gas filler door.

I'm not about the options on the newer Benzs, but if your model has variable assist power steering...it could be possible that it's malfunctioning and giving you too much assist, as if your doing low speed manuevers like getting into a tight parking space. A system such as that should reduce assist at higher speeds such as highway driving. It's only a thought as I am not sure what's on the 1997 E420s.

Nolan

Put 225/55/16 on the W210 E420. It works better. I have a '97 and it's MUCH better with this combo. The suspension takes much advantage of that extra sidewall.

Stan,

Did you have to have the entire control arm replaced, or did they just do the bushings. I have a vibration in the steering wheel on my '97 E420, and my dealer told me that the bushings were worn and that the entire control arm would need to be replaced.

Thanks,

Lloyd

quote:

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Originally posted by LRGaston:
Stan,

Did you have to have the entire control arm replaced, or did they just do the bushings. I have a vibration in the steering wheel on my '97 E420, and my dealer told me that the bushings were worn and that the entire control arm would need to be replaced.

Thanks,

Lloyd

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Lloyd,

In my case they just replaced the lower control arm busings.

Also my symptoms were different from yours:
I did not have vibration but rather experienced unpredictable steering behaviour
when making turns at high speeds (say above 40 mph).

Stan