Steering/Suspension - Crackling Noise When Turning
Date: September 2, 2003Order No.: P-B-62.30/05
Supersedes:
Group: 62
SUBJECT:
Model 230.474/475
Model Year 2003
Crackling Noise During Steering
If you receive customer reports in the above models of crackling noises during steering shortly before reaching the end stop positions, perform the following.
Note:
The crackling noise is the result of a pretension loss of the diagonal struts due to settling affects, and contact surface irregularities in the area of the bolted connections (Figure 1, arrows) of the diagonal strut (Figure 1,1) and or of the reinforcement plates (Figure 1, 2) at the front axle carrier.
Note:
The noise is not caused by the steering gear. Do not replace the steering gear for vehicles exhibiting this condition.
Note:
The crackling noise can also be heard from the steering gear, when the vehicle is stationary.
1. Remove the lower engine compartment paneling, refer to WIS document no. AR61.20-P-1105R.
2. Unclip the diagonal strut caps at the front.
3. Remove diagonal struts (Figure 1, 1).
4. Check contact surfaces at struts and front axle carrier and remove any irregularities.
5. Remove reinforcement plate at front axle carrier (Figure 1, 2).
6. Check contact surfaces at reinforcement plate and front axle carrier and remove any irregularities.
7. Reinstall reinforcement plate at front axle carrier (Figure 1, 2), refer to WIS document no. BA62.30-P-1000-01A
8. Reinstall diagonal struts (Figure 1, 1). Refer to WIS document no. BA62.30-P-1004-01A.
9. Reinstall diagonal strut caps.
10. Reinstall lower engine compartment paneling. Refer to WIS document no. AR61.20-P-1105R
In Case of Warranty