'99 300M Steering Problem

My 1999 300M with 53K miles on it has started to have play in the
steering wheel. It only does it when the car is warmed up (driving for
15 min or more). When the car is cold, the steering is fine.

I'm afraid that the problem is likely the steering rack ($$$$). FWIW, I
hit a deer about a month ago. I just got the car back a little over a
week ago. The deer wiped out the right front fender, hood, grille, and
headlight assembly. I doubt that the two things are related, but I
suppose it's possible.

I'd appreciate any feedback as to what the problem may be, and if you
think it might be related to the deer-struck accident.

Thanks,
Bob Collette

 

If the accident was covered by collision insurance, first thing I
would do is call the insurer and tell them about the apparently hidden
damage.

 

The accident may only be coincidence - some people do in fact experience
serious rack problems at relatively low mileage. Typical cost for
replacement $1100-$1400 U.S.

You need to read this very recent thread on the 300M ezBoard:
http://pub88.ezboard.com/f300menthusiastsclubfrm8.showMessage?topicID=456.topic.

HTH.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

Thanks to all who replied. It looks like there may be a slim chance
that it might be the bushings, rather than the rack, although it feels
to me like it's the rack. It also appears that this may not be an
isolated problem.

Bob

 

If you read the thread that I linked
(http://pub88.ezboard.com/f300menthusiastsclubfrm8.showMessage?topicID=456.topic)
you will see that I suggested the bushings too, but others who have
actualy had that problem (I haven't) were definite that they had the
rack replaced (and of course bushings at the same time) to fix the
problem. Maybe it's always only the bushings, or maybe racks and
bushing both do go bad.

It could be that this is similar to complete trannies being replaced
when the only problem is a $15
externally-accessible-10-munites-to-replace speed sensor.

It definitely would be advisable to rule out the bushings before
replacing the rack.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

I noticed the power steering fluid in my 300m (after only 30k miles) was
*really* black so I changed it. It's pretty easy to get most of it changed
by using a pair of pliers to disconnect the lower hose from the power
steering reservoir and allowing it to empty. Then I reconnect the hose,
fill the reservoir, let the car run for a few minutes (turn the wheel back
and forth a few times) and repeat. I keep doing that until the fluid in the
reservoir looks relatively clear again. It takes 20 minutes or so and you
go through about $10 worth of power steering fluid, but it's a lot cheaper
than paying someone else to flush it for you.

cheers,

C

 

i would venture to say the rack can have been damaged real easy and was
overlooked
i see this kind of thing all the time