So I was having some noise which seemed like it was coming from the passengers side front suspension area at slow speeds (I am on Damptronics) and decided to jack up the car and check it out. As I was getting ready to remove the wheel I noticed that there was some slight play when I placed my hands at the 9 and 3 position while pushing one side and pulling the other. Could not figure out what was causing this. On my truck I know this is related to tie rod ends and is a sign they need replacement.

Any suggestions on what it could be? I checked the drivers side and there was no play whatsoever.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I just replaced my tie rod on the E class benz the wheele shoke at 9-3 with both hands like you said. What do the P-cars have instead of tie rods i never really looked.

 

The P-cars have tie rods as well. I just wouldn't think they would go bad too easily, especially at 20k miles.

 

Big enough pothole could do the job. Did you hit anything?

 

Nothing out of the ordinary. I just quickly checked it last night, but there is definitely a small amount of play from the 3 to 9 position I will inspect it a bit closer to see if I can tell if there is movement in the tie rod itself. At least if it is a tie rod they are cheap! I just wonder if they are as easy to replace as my truck tie rods...I'm guessing not!

 

Prob not as easy as the truck lol i payed 100bux 15min install on the benz wish it was that easy on the p-car

 

isnt this an indication of a bad hub bearing (or is that just rear wheels)? i've known others who have and who have described the noise and wheel play but it's been their rear wheels, not the front.

 

From what I understand, a bad hub bearing would exhibit play from the 12 to 6 position or possible in and out movement of the entire hub assembly. Mine only has play when pushing and pulling from 9 to 3 respectively.

 

Steering wheel locked or key in ignition? if you muscle it enough you can turn the steering assembly slightly if it's not locked which is normal.

Otherwise tie rod end or steering gear (unlikely)
http://dcauto.gotdns.com/illustration/index/807411860

or control arms front or back
http://dcauto.gotdns.com/illustration/index/798756886

if you have an assistant move the wheel as you were you can usually put your hand on each joint and feel the reverberations where the root cause is. The control arms are tough to feel because the bushings are big and rubbery so they damp out reverberations. Tie rod ends are easier because they tend to click when they're excercised.

also note that you'll need a realignement if you do the tie rob ends. You might be able to skirt it if you do control arms but you'll have to check.

 

It's definitely loose. I wasn't putting much pressure on it and watched the other wheel to see if it was moving and it wasn't. It's only a small amount of movement but the other side does not exhibit any movement whatsoever.

I may just take it to the dealer and have them diagnose it. I have an extended warranty so hopefully they will cover it. Or they will just blame it on my car being lowered and not (most likely), but at least I will know what it is and can do it myself