Fix Loose Front-End Steering on Your Mercedes at Santa Barbara’s Best Garage

12 Apr, 25

Loose front-end steering issue is not just a problem with comfort, it is a safety problem. When you turn the wheel of a Mercedes, it is expected that the car will react immediately and appropriately. However, if the steering becomes soft, mushy or wanders, this is an indication that something is not quite right.

If you need to constantly correct the wheel to keep your vehicle straight or feel disconnected from the road through your hands, then your Mercedes likely has loose front-end steering. In some instances, you may hear some sort of noise when you turn. All these loose steering symptoms may appear insignificant at first, but they can worsen if not treated early. Knowing what causes a loose steering and how to prevent it will guarantee your Mercedes is in its best shape at all times.

Common Causes of the Loose Steering in Your Mercedes

• Worn Tie Rods Cause Instability: The tie rods are responsible for linking the steering mechanism to the wheels in order to allow the wheels to follow the movement of the steering wheel. Tie rods are known to wear out, loosen, or even break over a period of time due to various factors. When this occurs, you will experience a slower or unclear reaction to your turning wheel and your car may become wobbly at high speeds. If the problem is left unresolved, the tie rod may break off and this means that the car’s steering will be completely non-functional.
• Worn Out Ball Joints Cause Excessive Play: Ball joints are part of the suspension system that provides mobility to the wheels during steering. Ball joints wear out and become loose or wobbly in the steering because of excessive play. When the ball joint wears out, it may come off, which means you will have no control over where your front wheels are pointing.
• A Worn Steering Rack Impacts the Car’s Handling: The steering rack is a component that connects the input of the steering wheel to the movement of the wheels at the front part of the car. If the steering rack is worn out or leaking fluid, the steering becomes stiff or uneven, and the fluid leaks from the rack. A bad steering rack will cause the car to become difficult to maneuver, especially at high speed or in sharp turns.
• Worn Bushings of Control Arm Lead to Wobbling: Control arm bushings support suspension and reduce vibration. When these bushings become worn or cracked, it will lead to a lot of movement on the suspension and this causes the car to have a loose or shaky steering.

How to Tighten Loose Front-End Steering in Your Mercedes

• Replace Worn-Out Steering and Suspension Components: Check for the condition of the worn out steering and suspension components such as the tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings and others. If any of these parts are damaged they have to be replaced to regain the stability of the steering. When a part is worn out, it will continue to wear the other parts around it and it will cost more money to repair them.
• Replace the Steering Rack: If the steering rack is worn out or leaking, then it may require replacement. A bad steering rack and pinion will make it hard to control the vehicle particularly when driving at high speed or when doing turns. It is important to address this problem before it leads to serious steering problems that can be fatal.
• Perform a Proper Wheel Alignment: Whenever the wheels of your Mercedes are misaligned, the car will have an unstable feel and will turn towards a certain direction. A professional alignment will fix this problem to avoid stressing the steering system and wearing the tires unnecessarily.

Santa Barbara Autowerks Is The Best Mercedes Shop In Santa Barbara For Steering Repairs

At Santa Barbara Autowerks, we have extensive experience in diagnosing and repairing Mercedes steering issues. As a company that has been in operation for more than 40 years, we have the skills to address all the loose front-end steering problems that our Santa Barbara customers may experience. Our well-trained mechanics use sophisticated equipment to determine which of these parts are worn out and have your Mercedes back to its responsive and stable state.

If you feel that your Mercedes’s steering is loose, you hear some unusual noises or find that you can no longer manage the car as you used to, then it is high time you paid us a visit. Bring your Mercedes to our workshop now and we will diagnose and repair all the problems that are affecting your car’s smooth driving.