Suspension and steering system faults (Mercedes-Benz C-Class W201)

Note: Before diagnosing suspension or steering problems, make sure tire pressures are correct, tires are the same type, and brakes are in good condition.

The car pulls to one side

• The tire is damaged ("Weekly check").
• Excessive wear in the suspension or steering system (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Incorrect installation of front wheels (Chapter 10).
• Accidental failure of suspension or steering components (Chapter 1).

Wheel beating and vibration

• Front wheel vibration due to imbalance (transmitted mainly through the steering wheel) (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Rear wheel vibration due to imbalance (vibration is transmitted to the car body) (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Damage or warping of discs (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Defective or damaged tire ("Weekly check").
• Wear of bushings or suspension or steering connection parts (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Loosening wheel mounting bolts (Chapter 10).

Excessive longitudinal or lateral vibrations when turning or braking

• Faulty shock absorbers (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Broken or weakened spring and/or suspension part (Chapter 1 and 10).
• The anti-roll bar is worn or damaged (Chapter 10).

"Yaw" or general instability

• Incorrect installation of front wheels (Chapter 10).
• Wear of bushings or joint parts of the suspension or steering joint (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Wheel imbalance (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Defective or damaged tire ("Weekly check").
• Loosening of wheel mounting bolts (Chapters 1 and 10).
• Faulty shock absorbers (Chapters 1 and 10).

Steering wheel turns too hard

• Seizure of the steering rod end or suspension ball joint (Chapters 1 and 10).
• The auxiliary drive belt - power steering - is broken or slipping (Chapter 1).
• Incorrect installation of front wheels (Chapter 10).
• Bending or damage to the steering rod or column (Chapter 10).

Excessive play in steering

• The steering column cardan joint is worn out (Chapter 10).
• The ball joints of the steering rod ends are worn out (Chapters 1 and 10).
• The steering gear is worn out (Chapter 10).
• Worn bushings or suspension or steering connection parts (Chapters 1 and 10).

The power steering does not work

• The accessory drive belt is broken or slipping (Chapter 1).
• Incorrect fluid level ("Weekly checks").
• Clogged hoses (Chapter 1).
• The steering pump is faulty (Chapter 10).
• The steering gear is faulty (Chapter 10).

Excessive tire wear

Wear of tires on the inside or outside of the tread

• Low tire pressure (wear on both edges) ("Weekly check").
• Incorrect camber or toe angle (wear on one side only) (Chapter 10).
• Worn bushings or suspension or steering linkage components (Chapters 1 and 10).
• The turns are too sharp.
• Result of the accident.

Shaggy tread edges

• Incorrect wheel alignment (Chapter 10).

Tire wear at the center of the tread

• High tire pressure ("Weekly check").

Tire wear at the edges of the tread

• Low tire pressure ("Weekly check").

Tires wear unevenly

• Tire imbalance ("Weekly check").
• Excessive wheel or tire runout (Chapter 1).
• The shock absorbers are worn out (Chapter 1 and 10).
• Tire faulty ("Weekly check").