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Your Mercedes is one of the most technologically-advanced automobiles on the road today. They are designed with sophistication and power in mind. One component of your Mercedes which is present on every vehicle is the differential. This important system is part of your front and rear axle. The differential allows your tires to rotate at different speeds. This is essential to making corners and turns.
When you turn a corner, the outside tires travel farther on the road than the inside tires. The differential is what allows your tires to spin at different speeds without damaging your axles.
Common Signs Your Differential is Failing
Even with routine maintenance, there are times when the differential will begin to fail. You should learn to recognize the signs when this happens so you can bring Mercedes to our qualified mechanics as soon as you suspect something is amiss.
Some of the most common signs the differential is failing includes:
There is a whining sign that seems to come from the transmission.
The car misses a gear.
Uneven wear on the tires.
Dirty gear oil or oil that is contaminated.
Rough handling when you try to make turns.
There is vibration in the car when you accelerate.
The gears seem to grind or hum.
The differential fluid starts to leak.
How to Avoid Differential Failure
Keep up with routine maintenance as much as possible. Our qualified technicians are happy to perform this maintenance and will check every component of the vehicle to see if it is wearing out or needs replaced.
Use the right kind of oil. Mercedes cars need high-quality synthetic gear oil to do their job properly so consider investing in this.
Perform gear oil changes often. It is easy to forget to replace the oil when it goes bad but it can negatively impact all parts of the car. You need to do the first gear servicing around 3,000 miles and then monitor it to see when it needs to be done again.
Although it may be fun to do in a powerful Mercedes, you should not do any kind of burnout or allow the wheels to spin. This will cause the differential to wear out much faster than intended.
Always perform inspections of the differential components. This can help the car owner avoid a lot of different issues like water damage, bad gear oil, and more.
When you follow these tips, you increase your chances of preventing any kind of damage or failure in the differential. Proper care and maintenance of the differential, and any other part of the vehicle, will ensure that it lasts longer and will not be as expensive to repair if things break down entirely. With the help of these scheduled inspections and a good mechanic, you will be able to take care of your Mercedes and prevent the differential from failing.
At Turning Wrenches in Louisville, KY, we are happy to provide your Mercedes with the very best care for your vehicle, no matter what problem you bring to our garage. Our team of qualified mechanics are happy to help with routine maintenance to prevent costly repairs down the road. Contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon and earning your repeat business.
* Mercedes-Benz Car image credit goes to:y_carfan.
Mercedes stands as a pinnacle of comfort, performance, and reliability among drivers. With its sleek design and integration of the latest automobile improvements and technology, the Mercedes boasts a superior driving experience. It requires routine automotive repair services to maintain its performance, including solving power steering failure to prevent negative consequences.
Power steering enables the agility and maneuverability of a vehicle. It is a vital system to the basic operations of a car and therefore, power steering failure can be worrisome. Often, performance and safety issues arise by power steering failure such as leaking, difficulty driving, or unnatural sounds. Failure can be caused by multiple reasons, including problems with the power steering fluid or damage and wear to mechanical components.
It is necessary to schedule routine maintenance appointments to check your power steering system in your Mercedes. This article will highlight multiple factors that can lead to power steering failure in your Mercedes and the next steps to take to maintain the comfort, performance, and reliability you expect and deserve from your car.
Factors That Can Lead to Power Steering Failure
Below are descriptions of some causes and related complications of power steering failure. If you suspect power steering is on the verge of failure, it is important to make an appointment with a specialist to diagnose it for your Mercedes.
Improper Power Steering Fluid Levels : Your car requires a precise amount of steering fluid to properly function. Too little fluid leads to not enough power and too much creates too high of a pressure to function. Leaks within the power steering system can cause such consequences. Regular inspection and replacement of power steering fluid avoids this problem as well as keeps your Mercedes in peak condition.
Contaminated Power Steering Fluid: Dirt and sludge can contaminate your power steering fluid. If this suboptimal quality of fluid is used in operation of the vehicle, it could clog the system and cause failure of other mechanisms like gears and pumps. Refer to your Mercedes owner’s manual for the advised routine inspection and replacement procedures for power steering fluid offered at professional auto maintenance services.
Worn or Broken Parts: An important part of the power steering system is the power steering belt. It can wear, age, and get damaged over time and a breakage can cause failure of the system. Additionally, your power steering pump is integral to the functioning of power steering. It can wear out over time or be put under tremendous strain when steering too forcefully. It is important to seek professional help in replacing these parts with high quality products and expertise.
Driving on Extremely Rough Terrain: Rough terrain places an insurmountable amount of stress on your car. While the vehicle is durable and able to withstand certain bumps and jolts on the road, extremely rough terrain strains the power steering components in a small amount of time. This can lead to breaking of parts like the steering belt or pump which requires expert attention immediately.
Turning Wrenches Services Power Steering Problems in Your Mercedes
Our European auto experts at Turning Wrenches offer decades of experience and a superior client experience to customers located in the Louisville, KY area. Not fixing a power steering failure in your Mercedes will only create more problems to internal mechanisms and endanger you as a driver. Fortunately, power steering is an issue that can be recognized and fixed by understanding failure factors that contribute to it.
At Turning Wrenches, we believe in getting the job done right by providing the best quality service possible to you. We offer appointments that cover a diverse array of affordable, quality services for your Mercedes and other German cars like Audi, BMW, and Mini. Our specialists use state-of-the-art equipment, and we prioritize customer satisfaction in maintaining your superior comfort, performance, and reliability you’ve come to expect from your Mercedes.
If you would like our friendly and knowledgeable technicians to repair your power steering system and solve its failure or would like to learn more about our work with Mercedes and other European models, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to servicing you and your Mercedes so you can enjoy your best driving experience.
Mercedes models were designed and built with performance and elegance in mind. Driving a Mercedes is an experience that is unforgettable, smooth, and safe every time. Part of the safety and security Mercedes vehicles offer is the door locking mechanisms. Mercedes designed a vacuum door lock technology that is featured on all their vehicles. This article goes into detail of how this door lock technology works, what can cause it to fail, and where to go to fix it.
The Vacuum Door Lock Technology
The vacuum door lock technology was patented by Mercedes and involves using pressure to lock all of the doors at the same time. This pressure is created by a vacuum-based mechanism.
In addition to locking the doors, this technology is used as an antitheft device. As you can see, the door lock technology serves two different but equally important purposes. When the door lock is engaged, all the locks are simultaneously pressurized and remain pressurized until the master lock is released. This prevents anyone from trying to pry their way into your Mercedes.
This door lock technology has been so successful and relatively fail-safe because the system does not contain any electrical components. This means that there is no way for any type of electrical theft device to be used to unlock the doors.
With that being said, there is the chance that mechanical failure can occur, and this will release the vacuum pressure that is required to keep the doors locked.
Reasons Behind Door Lock Failure
Having a door lock system that properly functions is necessary to keep your belongings securely inside your Mercedes and to prevent theft of your car. The best way to do this is by knowing the reasons behind door lock failure. The door lock system is made up of many parts that need to work together to remain in optimal condition. So, unfortunately, there are a few reasons why the door lock can fail.
The first reason is pump failure. The pump is located underneath the passenger’s seat and is responsible for moving the air that is required for the vacuum locking system. When the pump fails, the entire door lock system fails. If there is no air moving through the system, then the doors will not lock when directed.
The second reason that door lock failure can occur is an actuator leak. Every door has an actuator that aids in the actual locking of the door. Once the air is pumped and pressurized, the actuator uses this air to engage the lock. If there is a leak in the actuator, air escapes, and not enough is left in the system to lock the doors. In most cases, it is simpler to replace the actuator as opposed to repairing it. Although depending on the situation, repair may be the way to go.
The third reason for door lock failure is system aging. The longer you have your Mercedes, the more wear and tear to the door lock system. This system is made mostly out of plastic so, over time, it will deteriorate and become dry and brittle. This will lead to cracks and leaks. This damage then leads to the failure of the actuator and the pump.
Addressing the Door Lock Failure
When it comes to the vacuum door lock system, each part is easily located by a trained technician. As previously stated, the pump is under the passenger seat and each door has the actuator near the door lock. So when you bring in your Mercedes for door lock failure, the mechanic knows exactly where to look.
To find the best mechanic for the job, turn to us at Turning Wrenches in Louisville, KY. We specialize in European vehicles so you can be well assured that our technicians are trained and certified in all things Mercedes. We inspect all vehicles with the latest and most up to date technology to diagnose the source of the issue. From there, high-quality parts are used to make the necessary repairs.
If for any reason we need to hold on to your vehicle for a few hours, we offer rental vehicles or Uber rides at highly competitive rates. This way, you are not inconvenienced while we take care of your Mercedes. You will be back on the road in no time with a vehicle that securely locks. We look forward to becoming your Mercedes service center for your future needs.
Despite the careful craftsmanship of Mercedes vehicles, your strut components will eventually wear down from use over time and need replacing. Sometimes you will not even notice the gradual changes in your Mercedes’ driving performance until you start to hear odd sounds coming from the struts.
The Importance of Struts
The struts are one of the main components of your suspension system and help your vehicle stay balanced and flat to the road. The struts incorporate many suspension assembly parts that include a coil spring and a shock absorber.
The struts are like the bones of your suspension system, and their main job is to support the weight of the vehicle and ensure a smooth ride. Worn out struts bottom out your suspension, as they can cave in towards the ground, causing assembly parts to contact one another.
Struts in need of repair will often negatively affect your car’s steering, alignment, tire wear, and even prevent your vehicle from braking correctly.
When to Replace Struts on your Mercedes
The manufacturer recommends replacing your struts every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and habits. Along with your struts, the other components of your suspension will also need to be checked for wear and tear every 40,0000 miles.
Ensuring preventative maintenance is done on all of the parts associated with your suspension will keep your Mercedes in working order. You can prevent future problems by having the struts conveniently changed as part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance.
Noises in the Suspension and Wheels
When a car’s struts are worn and do not hold your vehicle up from the road as intended, they will make contact with other metal parts. Metal-on-metal will sound like knocking coming from the front and/or rear wheels.
You may also find extra noise coming from your vehicle when going over bumps if your car is bouncing around too much from your worn-out struts.
These are common signs of struts that need replacement:
Hydraulic fluid is leaking from one or more of your vehicle’s struts. This is a sign that the seals have broken and your vital strut fluids are leaking out.
When you push down on the hood of your vehicle, it bounces several times before settling back into position. This is a sign that your struts are bottoming out and have lost the ability to support the weight of your vehicle properly.
There is uneven tire wear, showing high and low wear patterns on your tires. Your ride may feel If you find that your tires are excessively bouncing after hitting a slight bump, your struts are not firmly holding your car’s suspension in place.
You are having steering and/or braking problems. You may end up finding that the front or back end will dip down or tilt-up slightly, impeding your vehicle’s ability to stop efficiently.
Your vehicle “tips” to one side as it turns. When making a sharp turn, you may feel like your vehicle tips more to one side than usual, over-tilts, or feels wobbly as you corner. This can feel like you are no longer in control of the vehicle.
A feeling of instability at high speeds. You may feel like your vehicle is constantly bouncing on the road imperfections. This may be a noticeable difference in your normally-smooth ride. You may even have to keep both hands on the wheel and may need to constantly correct the steering to keep it straight within your lane.
By specializing in Audi, BMW, MINI, and Mercedes since 2013, we are able to provide the best and most affordable dealership-alternative services for your benefit. Our team of certified technicians will assist you with maintenance and repairs for your struts and get you back on the road in no time.
If you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy vehicle repairs and maintenance, please contact us today with any questions or to talk to one of our friendly technicians. We look forward to earning your trust for your vehicle’s longevity, performance, and maintenance needs.
* Mercedes-Benz Car image credit goes to:y_carfan.
Your Mercedes is a stable vehicle that was built to last for a long time. When you bought it you knew that you would own it for many years. During those years you have come to expect that the functionality would last. As your Mercedes ages, there are going to be certain parts that fail and need to be repaired or replaced. One such part is the MAF sensor. Below you will find out more about what the MAF sensor is and what signs of failure to look for.
The Mass Airflow Sensor
In order for your Mercedes to properly operate, the engine needs to have the correct mixture of air and fuel running through it. If there is too much or too little of either part, the engine is going to be compromised.
So, in order for the air portion of the mixture to be correct, it is monitored by the Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor is responsible for calculating the amount of air that is coming into the vehicle and sending this information to your Mercedes’s computer. Based on the readings from the mass airflow sensor, the computer will then make any and all required adjustments to the engine airflow.
The way the MAF sensor is designed is simple. The part consists of 2 wires. One wire is heated and the other is cool. The readings are produced by determining what current is required for keeping the heated wire at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This measurement is what is sent to the computer of your Mercedes.
Signs of MAF Sensor Failure
The first sign to look for and be aware of is lean idling. As stated before, a properly-balanced mixture of air and fuel is required for optimal engine function. If the MAF sensor has failed, then incorrect or no readings will be sent to the computer. This will cause the engine to have too much air in the system. The increased amount of air in the engine will lead to a failed combustion process. So, when you are attempting to start your engine, it may take a couple of tries because the overflow of air in the system is preventing proper and complete combustion.
The second sign that will point to MAF sensor failure is a delay in acceleration. You will notice this occurs whenever you are attempting to reach higher speeds. When you step on the gas pedal, the response may not be immediate. A failure in the MAF sensor can cause this issue because the sensor will disrupt the amount of gasoline that is getting to the engine. So with a lack of gasoline, there will be a delayed response in acceleration.
The third sign that you can use to identify MAF sensor failure is excessive gasoline consumption. When the MAF sensor is not working as it should, the readings the computer is getting is inaccurate. So when this happens, the incorrect amount of air is being pumped into the mixture. This will cause more gasoline to be used in order to make up for the lack of air being used. You will notice this when you are constantly having to fill up your Mercedes’s fuel tank.
One last sign and the most common symptom that will let you know there is a MAF sensor failure, is an illuminated check engine light. Whenever there is an issue with a part in your Mercedes that is controlled by a computer, you will know about it because a service light will illuminate on the dashboard. You can expect this same thing to occur when there is a MAF sensor failure. The check engine light will come on, and you will need to take your Mercedes to a shop to have a diagnostic test run.
Repairing the MAF Sensor
Now that you know the signs that will help you to identify MAF sensor failures, it is time to have that failure fixed. The failure could be caused by faulty wires in the sensor, dust and grime, or general wear and tear. Any and all of these causes should be looked at and identified by a trained and certified technician. You will be able to find just that here at Turning Wrenches in Louisville, KY. We will use the most up-to-date tools and equipment in order to properly diagnose the MAF sensor failure. Once the issue has been identified, we will work with you in forming a repair or replacement plan. You will leave our shop happy and satisfied with the work that was done on your Mercedes.
The crankshaft position sensor is an important measurement tool that is essential in all modern combustion engines, including your Mercedes. It is needed to monitor the speed of rotation and the position of the crankshaft. It sends the information it collects to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which is the main computer onboard your Mercedes.
The data given by the crankshaft position sensor allows the ECU to make alterations as needed to ensure your Mercedes achieves high-level performance. This means that accurate information regarding the crankshaft position and speed is essential for maintaining good engine management and timing. Ultimately, when the crankshaft position sensor fails, the engine is unable to run correctly if at all.
The crankshaft position sensor rarely fails without warning. There are usually some signs and symptoms that occur which can make you suspicious. Let’s learn more about this important sensor, why it fails, and how you can tell if failure has occurred.
How the Crankshaft Position Sensor Works
Located next to the flywheel ring gear, the crankshaft sensor can come in 2 different variants. Your Mercedes will either use an inductive sensor or a hall generator. These two forms work by altering magnetic fields using the ring gears rotational movement. The magnetic field which is created is used to form a range of voltage signals which are then picked up and used by the ECU.
Reasons Behind Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
As the crankshaft position sensor is an electronic component, the reasons why it fails largely follows the same reasons as the other electronic systems of your Mercedes:
short circuits
faulty wiring
wiring short circuits
damaged or cut wiring
damaged encoder wheel
metal abrasion causing soiling and contamination
How to Tell if your Mercedes has a Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
There are 3 key signs which can indicate imminent failure of the crankshaft position sensor. Remember, without a working sensor, your Mercedes is unlikely to go anywhere at all, so watch for the early warning signs below.
Starting Troubles
As the crankshaft position sensor helps regulate the timing of your Mercedes’ engine, when it starts to fail, you will likely notice starting your car successfully first time around starts to become a rarity. Without the data provided by the crankshaft position sensor, your ECU is left guessing. This can create a chain reaction that has all your engine systems running out of sync with one another, which will cause a false start. As the problem progresses, your vehicle may reach a point where it is simply unable to start.
Intermittent Stalling
If your Mercedes stalls intermittently, then the crankshaft position sensor may be on the fritz. This is commonly caused by issues with the sensor’s external wiring and not with the sensor module itself. When the wiring is damaged, the connection between the sensor and the ECU becomes spotty, despite the sensor working perfectly. This will result in your Mercedes performing normally and then suddenly and intermittently stalling when the connection between the two parts is lost. This issue should be resolved as soon as possible because any rogue element that makes your vehicle unpredictable is an accident waiting to happen.
Engine Management Light
The check engine light, otherwise known as the Engine Management Light or EML, can be triggered by the ECU whenever an issue with the engine is detected. This can range from low-level issues such as a loose gas cap to more severe problems, such as catalytic converter failure. As a failing crankshaft position sensor throws the engine’s timing into dysregulation, it can cause the ECU to trigger the engine management light. This will then send out a relevant error code which can be diagnosed by a professional mechanic. This light is meant to safeguard the health of your engine and should never be ignored.
Turning Wrenches
At Turning Wrenches of Louisville, KY, we are passionate about auto repairs and servicing. We have a hardworking team of mechanics who will work diligently to fix the problem with your Mercedes, be it the crankshaft position sensor failure, or other unrelated problems. So, for trustworthy repairs and great customer service, look no further than Turning Wrenches. Our dedicated customer service team is ready and waiting to take your call.
Mercedes Benz is known for its high-performance engine, next-generation innovations, and a sophisticated interior. One system that is well-known for contributing to the incredible driving experience that Mercedes Benz offers is the AirMatic system. Let’s dive deeper into this integral system and look at ways to ensure each drive is the ultimate driving experience.
The Value of the AirMatic System
The AirMatic system is an air suspension marvel developed by Mercedes for their new models. The AirMatic system works in unison with the Air Dampening System (ADS) to create an unbelievably-smooth driving experience. The ADS provides the suspension with a cushion, while the AirMatic system controls air inside the suspension to match the terrain and driving conditions.
Why It’s Important to Keep your AirMatic System Well-Maintained
When you’re driving your dream car, it is essential that you keep on top of maintenance. Maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your Mercedes and ensures that each drive feels as good as the last. Without proper maintenance, parts will start to wear and then fail. You will notice a dramatic drop in performance and may become frustrated with potentially-dangerous symptoms caused by failing parts. When it comes to caring for your AirMatic system, we’ve listed some of the top maintenance tips below.
Check for Leaks
To keep an air-based suspension system working at top levels, you always need to be on the lookout for air leaks. Air leaks can put a strain on essential parts of the suspension system, such as the compressor. This can lead to premature part failure. There are kits available for purchase that can help you patch a minor leak at home, but for complete peace of mind, you should bring your Mercedes to a specialist for repairs.
Loose Air Lines
As part of your regular, ongoing maintenance, you should check the air lines or the AirMatic System. You should be inspecting these to see that the lines have a secure connection to other parts of the system. This will ensure the correct pressure is able to be maintained within the system. This will reduce the pressure on other parts to over-perform to compensate.
Check the Air Springs
The final crucial part of your ongoing AirMatic maintenance should be to check the air springs. The air springs are designed to expand and contract at a steady pressure, which helps to keep the driving experience smooth. These springs should ideally be kept at a pressure of 5psi, but check with your owner’s manual to make sure your springs are tuned to the specifics of your Mercedes model.
Cleaning and Maintaining the AirMatic System
As with most parts of your vehicle, proper maintenance involves ensuring that parts are clean of dirt and grime which can interfere with the correct operation of the system. Debris build up can be a leading and yet preventable cause of many types of part failure. Buildup can have you shelling out money for repairs that could have been avoided. So if you want to save money, spend a little time giving your Mercedes some proper TLC.
Spending some time checking and cleaning your car will also allow you to spot small changes or early stages of part failure, meaning you can respond much more quickly to any issue your Mercedes might face. Any repairs will remain straightforward, quick, and affordable.
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
The number one way to ensure your Mercedes Benz remains operating at peak performance is to keep up with your servicing record. Having your Mercedes inspected by a professional repair shop will ensure that any issue is caught early on. Parts can be inspected, tested, and fine tuned, meaning your Mercedes will always be at its best.
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identify MAF sensor failures, it is time to have that failure fixed. The failure could be caused by faulty wires in the sensor, dust and grime, or general wear and tear. Any and all of these causes should be looked at and identified by a 
passionate about auto repairs and servicing. We have a hardworking team of mechanics who will work diligently to fix the problem with your Mercedes, be it the crankshaft position sensor failure, or other unrelated problems. So, for trustworthy repairs and great customer service, 
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