Hi All,
Hoping that this will be the place to help put my mind at ease , and also meet some other owners .. .....Just joined the forum after buying my Crossfire 6 weeks ago ............It's got a fresh MOT and full service history , but I didn't think the steering was quite right at all .
I did some research , and replaced the Steering damper/stabiliser like everyone suggests, but the mechanic said its probably the steering box (£2500 installed) !!!!
He says that mine can be reconditioned for about £500 + VAT and Labour, but he's not a Merc or Chrysler specialist so it's a bit of a risk ..... I checked out Mid-Kent Chrysler after reading the comments, rang the various contact numbers, and even stopped by the listed trading address , but it appears they've disappeared or gone out of business .
Does anyone have any suggestions ?? I'm pretty worried about spending a fortune on a steering box if it isn't needed , or using somebody that doesn't know what they're doing if it is . A couple of local Merc independents would touch it as it's not 100% Mercedes , and the Crossfire terrifies Chrysler dealerships , so it's a tricky situation that I'm sure some of you are familiar with.
Ps: I'm based in Sittingbourne , North Kent , so would love to hear from any other local owners.

 

If I guess correctly you are Ben and you have now had some /if not most, of your questions answered on UK Crossfires Owners Group on FB ???

 

Hahaha......yes indeed !! That's me :-) Joining that forum has been a blessing !!!!

 

Nothing gets past Gill lol, looking like I will be about on Saturday!!

 

There's no hiding from you guys is there !!! .................I'll message you on our ''other'' forum ;-)

 

Hi Ben Great choice on buying a Crossfire, , sorry to hear your having trouble with it, they are usually very reliable, I live in Maidstone . Thanks Paul.

 

are you going sunday paul...

 

Hi Paul,
Having a few minor (hopefully!) issues, but once I get those resolved I'm looking forward to getting her out on the road a lot more It's great to meet so many local area owners . The FB UK owners group has been fantastic , I must say !

 

If it's just passed it's mot there should be very little fault in the steering unless it's a duff mot !

 

Except the MOT allows up to 3'' of play in the steering wheel as far as Im aware .........which is a hell of alot , and the MOT doesnt take in to account how it actually ''feels'' on the road .

 

Hi Chris yes Iam going on Sunday woop woop😃😃😃

 

So what is the secret answer to Bens problem?

 

Top and/or bottom bushes!! With it jacked of the ground, holding the wheel at 12 & 6 there is play, but at 9 & 3 none! could also be wear in track rod ends?? not got the means to get underneath to confirm.


Both should have been picked up on MOT! but as we know MOT is only a guarantee of road worthiness for 15 mins after test. After that it is only a certificate to say it has had an MOT. And, if you take it back after the 15 mins you have to prove that the problem existed at the time of MOT.