Steering wheel problem

[junklar]

Hi all,

I have a problem with my steering wheel. When I am making a turn that is more than 90 degrees the steering wheel does not return to the center. I have to help turn it the other way until it gets to some point where it moves back to the center on its own. It's kind of annoying because I can't make fast turns thinking that I might get into an accident. Any ideas on how to fix this or what might be causing the problem?

[strictlyspeakin]

Centering can be a function of alignment.

Is the car's suspension stock? How about the rims?

[junklar]

Yes, it is all stock. Bought new tires as well and had them aligned.

[99C280Sport]

Maybe power steering related?

[strictlyspeakin]

You had the tires balanced or you had the car aligned?

If they did an alignment, I think the shop should have been able to tell if something was wrong. Ball joints, shocks, bushings etc.

[junklar]

Had a balance done, and i had the front end checked and was told they were fine. Stricklyspeakin, thanks for your input, I'll get an alignment and have it checked.

[strictlyspeakin]

So somewhere less than full it returns but at full chock it's sticky. I'm thinking ball joints.

That's my non professional opinion.

Anyone else?

[choit]

I have the same problem with the wheel not returning to center. I also find it heavy to steer but the mechanic said most MBs are really like that due to the Gearbox design. Not sure if that si true but when I compare to my Nissan vehicle, the steering is so light with the Nissan.
I have already repaired suspension, shocks, alignment, balance, steering still same.

[junklar]

fromt the research that I have done, I think it might be because of the steering dampener.. It's a cheap part ($30 on autohausaz.com) and very easy to change.. mine occassionally makes a squeeking sound when turned as well

let me know if you decide to do this and the results.. I'll be changing mine within a month

[choit]

Is the steering damper same as the steering shock that is connected with the center link? I just had my center link replaced and normally the mechanic would know if the steering shock is defective since he has to connect it again.