Steering issue - car veers to the left

[PenangKia]

Hi folks, wanted to tap the brains of some of the more experienced enthusiasts here.

 

Sent my car (W204 C200 2009) in today for the 50KM service in a reputable workshop. Have always had a problem with the car veering to the left but have never thought much about it since I've read online via forums that it is a common occurrence and can be corrected. Was very bothered when I was driving home yesterday from KL and the steering felt really bad especially when speeding, so decided to check it out.

 

I have a few questions that I may need help on:

1. I was told that the power steering rack is faulty due to a bad undercarriage accident (from the previous owner perhaps) and that it would cost $3.9K to repair it? Anyone else had this issue before?

 

2. When I bought my car second-hand (nearly a year ago), I sent it to C&C for a service and they told me all's good to go before I find out now that there has been a lot of damage to the undercarriage (chassis, arms all new). Apparently all was replaced cept this power steering rack. I wonder if anyone has made a claim from the used car dealer under the Lemon Law since it has been more than 6 months?

 

Appreciate all help provided in advance, sigh... thanks

[shauns]

From what I heard, very hard to claim under lemon law due to many this one not included that one not included. Anyway more than six months no need to say.

[mulderang]

how about doing an wheel alignment first, see if it can solve some of steering issue.

[PenangKia]

Wheel alignment done. Even tried to change the cambers, no change to the feel. Still feels rather "loose" and car veers to the left. Will go and get a second opinion hopefully tomorrow and see what the diagnostics are. The rack seems painful...

[daffy]

thought this issue cannot be solved? remember theres a thread on this...

[Ah Bui]

From what I know... Only ML series will not veer to the sides.... heard it from some car reviewer in UK.....

[PenangKia]

True, that's why I thought initially it's not a "problem" per say, but when the steering wheel keeps on jerking to the left (especially more than 120km/h) then I figured that this can't be normal

[Jayson]

Try going teo hin tyres in kaki bukit technolink for alignment. He solved my veering left problem.

[Anle]

This is not normal..It should not veer..unless there is a slope to the left is so bad..but I really do not know how to resolve this issue

[Ah Bui]

Seriously... You should consider talking to the experts (C&C... MBM.... Autospritz.....BCC Automotive) or your favourite mechanic .... and if you have to....... change the steering rack.... nothing is more important than the lives of those sitting inside the ride.... just my 2¢ worth

[bobven]

Suggest checking the camber nut adjustment. Based on other similar topic, I did the same and my problem solved. Alignment or balancing doesnt help. only camber nut adjustment and steering positioning will solve the issue

[PenangKia]

Thanks everyone for your advice, just did the nut adjustment and steering positioning today. However, also got a second opinion confirming that the steering rack may be bent and thus the car would veer very slightly to the left, although this has been minimized as far as possible. I was told to drive around for 1-2 weeks before I decide whether I want to go ahead to change the steering rack.

 

STA inspected as A and yet this problem occurs. Sigh - to spend $4k for a new steering rack or not, that is the question now Thinking of ordering it from Minghee and just paying for installation separately but worried that if that doesn't fix the problem I will be screwed again....