Cracking/Metallic Clanging From Steering Rack at Full Steering Lock
Topic number

LI46.35-P-079817

Version

1

Function group

46.35 - Electrical steering

Date

9/26/25

Validity

Model 206, 223, 254, 294, 295, 296, 297

Reason for change

Operation step 5 adjusted (right instead of left)

Complaint
Cracking noises are audible from the area of the electric steering gear with full steering movement (i.e. when the
wheel is turned to full lock).

Attachments
File

Description

Noise at Limit Stop.mp4

Noise at Limit Stop

Cause
The vehicles have a function that electronically limits the steering movement.
In isolated cases, e.g. following a toe adjustment, the steering limitations can be taught in incorrectly; this results in
a metallic cracking noise occurring when turning the steering wheel to the point of full steering movement, due to the
mechanical end stops being reached; see video.

Remedy
For the steering limitations in electrical power steering control unit N68, perform the procedure Reset value for 'straight-ahead position of the steering wheel' with XENTRY in the "Adaptations" tab under "Teach-in processes" and reteach in the steering limitations.
Teach-in process for the steering limitations:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Vehicle is stationary, engine is switched on
With XENTRY Diagnosis connected, open the "Actual values" menu in electrical power steering control unit N68
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left to full lock and hold it there – then slowly press the steering wheel
further to the left until the "Steering wheel torque" value (observe actual values in XENTRY) is approx. 10–
15 Nm – the actual value "Left steering limitation "Partially learned"" is displayed
Bring the steering wheel into the center position
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to full lock and hold it there – then slowly press the steering wheel
further to the right until the "Steering wheel torque" value (observe actual values in XENTRY) is approx. 10–
15 Nm – the actual value "Right steering limitation "Partially learned"" is displayed

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© Copyright Mercedes-Benz AG

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6.

Bring the steering wheel into the center position – actual values of the steering limitations are displayed as "Fully
learned" – see note!

Note: On vehicles of model series 223, 297, 296, 295 and 294, and on vehicles of model series 206 and 254 with
4MATIC (code M005) and/or rear axle steering (code 201 or 216), only the status "Partially learned" is achieved.

Disclaimer
NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the
knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz
approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and
provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect
is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a
symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes
resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service
technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained
in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicle’s warranty in any way.

Symptoms
Chassis/suspension > Noises > Cracking
Chassis/suspension > Noises > Knocks
Chassis/suspension > Steering system > Noises > Cracking
Chassis/suspension > Steering system > Noises > Chattering/knocking
Chassis/suspension > Steering system > Noises > Clattering
Chassis/suspension > Axle > Front axle > Noises > Cracking

Operation numbers/damage codes
Op. no.

Operation text

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© Copyright Mercedes-Benz AG

Time

CCUSHWA

Damage
code

Note

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