Vehicle: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering Noises and Guidelines for Detection
Noises from the steering system (guidelines for detecting noise)
Topic number L146.20P055943
Version 1
Design group 46.20 Steering gear
Date 04242013
Validity Model 164/251
Reason for change
Complaint:
1.) Rattling noises from the area of the steering column tube on rough roads or when driving over road bumps
2.) Cracking noises when braking or accelerating, which may also be perceptible at the steering wheel at the same time
3.) Rattling noises from the area of the steering gear on rough roads or when driving over road bumps
Cause:
1.) Play or incorrectly engaged firewall pivot point
2.) Play or incorrectly engaged firewall pivot point, or slip/stick effect of steering coupling
3.) Play between thrust piece and toothed rack of steering
Attachments
Remedy:
For noise diagnosis the use of the STEELMAN ChassisEAR is helpful and it must always be used if there is any uncertainty in
order to clearly identify the cause of the noise.
Re. causes 1 and 2:
Check version of firewall pivot point and check for play:
a) Check the version > If an old version (see Figure 001 version "2" or Figure 002 version "4") is installed, the current version
(see Figure 001 version "3" or Figure 002 version 3) must be installed.
The new version of the firewall pivot point is installed in production as of VIN 164.### # A 220353 or 251.### # A 053080.
b) Check that the bearing is installed without play and properly engaged > A white stripe must be visible (see Figures 003 and
004).
Note:
Also refer to the TIPS document "Cracking noises from the area of the steering shaft".
Re. cause 2:
Check steering coupling slip/stick effect:
Remove steering coupling Push steering coupling together in sliding piece and pull apart; if a pressure point can be felt, the
coupling must be replaced
Re. cause 3:
Check play between thrust piece and toothed rack of steering. and adjust if necessary:
Check steering effect with simplified test method, see TIPS document "Rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering
(simplified test method)" L146.20P053398
Adjust play between thrust piece and steering rack if necessary
