new owner. hates steering response!

[simiritch]

Just bought an '06 300C last week. I love the ride, the power is great, but the steering seems really loose.

For example, in high speed turns (ie, 80 mph on freeway interchange) where I hit a slight bump or make a steering adjustment, the car bounces side-to-side in a fairly unstable manner. It takes a steady hand to get the car back into a smooth curve again.

I'm thinking that the steering linkage is just too loose, but i really dont know very much about this.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rich.

[jjs]

Originally Posted by simiritch

Just bought an '06 300C last week. I love the ride, the power is great, but the steering seems really loose.

For example, in high speed turns (ie, 80 mph on freeway interchange) where I hit a slight bump or make a steering adjustment, the car bounces side-to-side in a fairly unstable manner. It takes a steady hand to get the car back into a smooth curve again.

I'm thinking that the steering linkage is just too loose, but i really dont know very much about this.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rich.

One suggestion...slow down. Yes, I think it could be a bit tighter at certain speeds, but there are certain speeds and certain activities that aren't really a good combination from the get go. Highways here are not made to be taken at 80+, let alone interchanges...woudl be different on the autobahn.

[simiritch]

Good idea. But i bought a performance car to perform, not just to brag to my friends that i own a Hemi. My Chevy Silverado 2500 handles better than my 300C on turns. Thats not right.

Thanks for your helpfull advice though.

[jjs]

Originally Posted by simiritch

Good idea. But i bought a performance car to perform, not just to brag to my friends that i own a Hemi. My Chevy Silverado 2500 handles better than my 300C on turns. Thats not right.

Thanks for your helpfull advice though.

Handles better how? Same places, same speeds? Are you making a valid comparison?

Just a quick note as well, the C is NOT a performance car...it is a car that happens to perform very well. If you take a look at skidpad, etc. figures it is apparent this is not a performance car.

[5point7]

I agree with jjs, it's not a "performance" car - however, it does get compared to performance cars. It's a BIG car that handles well, handles exceptional actually for it's size and value - no better value on the road IMO.

As far as your issues...the conti tires suck - LOTS of threads on here about how bad they are. The BFG KW's seem to be the new tire of choice for the stock 18's if you want a performance tire.

[II kings 9:20]

I have numerous posts regarding vexing steering wheel kick on many bumps not just in curves, rear step out (or twitch) in curves and some straight bumps, even manhole covers. This is noticed at normal speeds on the freeway and in town at 35mph. Please simiritch, tell me you have self sealing tires, I think (hope and pray) this is the problem. I have bought replacements from Tire Rack and they are at the installer to go on Wednesday. This is more than a minor nuisance, I will say the ride and handling are great with no kick or twitch on smooth pavement, and it's not a simple matter of a tight suspension on bumps, my X5 was tighter and 900 lbs heavier with none of these traits. My C steering jiggles and kicks significantly on even some minor bumps and suprisingly not at all on other bumps. The wheels don't move fortunately, I contacted an online retailer last Summer to see if a steering shock was available for the C like my old 300E which had thick but vice free steering and suspension traits. Given we have the 96 -02 E class rear susp and steering rack, there is no reason to have these traits (other than self sealing tires). I hope new tires solve this problem.

[jaydee]

I have to agree with Simiritch-- I dont like the steering .. windy mountain roads are not fun at all Perhaps this is the AWD that's configured in this manner- front wheel tilt (from vertical, on turning) is more pronounced in non-awd cars....?camber) And II Kings, I was hoping it was my non-sealing conti's! We clutch at straws

jay

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by 5point7

As far as your issues...the conti tires suck - LOTS of threads on here about how bad they are. The BFG KW's seem to be the new tire of choice for the stock 18's if you want a performance tire.

I partially agree, the self seals suck, I had these same Contis as replacements for the MXV4 on my 300E and they were every bit as good, same tires on my 86 XJ6 with a 5.7 litre Chevy, even heavier than the C and they were great, no steering kick or other issues. My self seals now have even wear, no cupping or feathering, and seem to be holding up well after 11K, the big problem is all the movement in the wheel and rear, is it the tire or poor design? I sure hope it's the former, I'll know on Wed.

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by jaydee

I have to agree with Simiritch-- I dont like the steering .. windy mountain roads are not fun at all Perhaps this is the AWD that's configured in this manner- front wheel tilt (from vertical, on turning) is more pronounced in non-awd cars....?camber) And II Kings, I was hoping it was my non-sealing conti's! We clutch at straws

jay

Odd that these idiots at DC never drove these cars to figure this out, an AWD is supposed to be rock solid in the wind, ever drive a Quattro? Jaydee, does your steering wheel kick on bumps?

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by simiritch

Just bought an '06 300C last week. I love the ride, the power is great, but the steering seems really loose.

For example, in high speed turns (ie, 80 mph on freeway interchange) where I hit a slight bump or make a steering adjustment, the car bounces side-to-side in a fairly unstable manner. It takes a steady hand to get the car back into a smooth curve again.

I'm thinking that the steering linkage is just too loose, but i really dont know very much about this.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rich.

Rich, the steering is rack and pinion, lifted right out of the mercedes e-class sedans. It is very tight and precise.

The problem you describe is being caused by the crappy OEM conti tires. The sidewalls roll over causing the front end to move and the rear IRS suspension to "hop".

Put some decent tires on and you'll find you have bought a very sweet handling car (in the meantime put your tire pressures up to 34 lbs all round).

If you need more proof, follow this link: Driving Fast with a 300C