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It is not uncommon for the second generation Mercedes E-Class to lose the power in its steering assistance due to a system failure occurring within the control unit. Although the mechanical steering will be maintained, it naturally takes far greater input from the driver. When this fault occurs, in addition to the greater physical effort required, a warning both visually displayed on the dashboard and audibly via a signal tone, will be obvious.

If the problem is not caused by a fault in the power steering control unit, there may well be no warning light or tone, which means that the issue is likely to be caused by faulty or worn steering parts.

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the following difficulties may arise with the Mercedes E-Class:

Transmission oil

Problem:

Transmission oil is highly stressed. It is aging and wearing by abrasion, temperature,

and chemical processes. This leads to high risk of reduced driving comfort and modified

Gear changing conditions, up to costly transmission defects! Despite successful oil changes comfort and switching problems still occur because during an oil change for technical reasons only max. 2/3 of the oil volume is changed. Therefore many deposits remain in the residual oil and in the transmission.

My Technical team have reported very little when it comes to the Mercedes E-Class, below is what we have:

Starter Motor: It is important to know that some of these models are fitted with Stop/Start Starter Motors, so it is critical that the OE numbers form the original part is checked so the correct replacement Starter Motor is fitted. This is the same for petrol and diesel models.

Alternator: The auxiliary drive belt can stretch causing a poor charge rate, it is recommended that a new belt is fitted when an Alternator is replaced to ensure the fault does not re-occur.

A few notes about the Mercedes E Class (2009 on):

Engine Oil

For this particularly model, Mercedes list a number of specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Syner-G 5W40 or Syner Z 5W30.

It has been noted that brake light switches have been the highest selling replacement parts among Cambiare’s top 10 sales for the E class. Technicians should check this ‘weak point’ in the system after they have checked for failed bulbs. A failing brake light switch may also be caused by cutting out and cruise control problems.

Crank sensors, the second highest selling engine electrical item, generally bring up a P0335 fault code on a code reader. Failure to start from hot or cold may be the result of a failing Crank sensor.

Although owners of the Mercedes E-Class model generally find the cars reliable and well built, they consider the servicing cost to be high.

VOSA has issued a recall for E-Class models in October 2010 to rectify oil leaks generating from the power steering pump/fluid lines connections. Technicians looking to diagnose an oil leak should ascertain the type of fluid that is being lost; what might appear to be an engine oil leak may be PAS fluid leak, coming from this connection.

E Class models built between Nov 2010 and Apr 2011 may also suffer from power steering problems, as the signals reaching the control unit may be implausible.

Euro Car Parts is to open a very large new distribution centre in Staffordshire

Nominations for the 2015 CAT Awards are open!

This year there are more ways to get involved in the nominations process. Do you know a factor that goes above and beyond your expectations every time? Is one of your customers a garage that's beating the franchises at their own game? Perhaps you know an independent retailer that's staying strong on the high street? The CAT Awards is your chance to get them recognised by the industry.

And don't forget, it only takes ONE nomination.

The RMI’s Independent Garage Association (IGA) has announced a sharp increase in the number of technicians it has trained over the past year.

The Renault Megane is fitted with electric steering and has an EPS column providing assistance to an EPS rack. There are two different racks depending upon wheel sizes.  Racks are prone to the gaiters splitting, allowing water and road dirt in, causing inner tie rod ball joint failure, pinion bearing failure and nearside bush failure. Remy improve upon the OE design by replacing the original polyurethane gaiter with a rubber gaiter giving a better seal against the elements.