In buying a Mercedes, you have chosen a premiere car with an enviable pedigree, being the oldest continuously produced automobile line in the world. You have come to appreciate its agile steering and smooth handling, giving you a level of comfort that is a hallmark of a Mercedes. Your Mercedes' steering and suspension system is responsible for carrying you smoothly on the roads. Each turn of the steering wheel affects your car's steering mechanism, activating the internal components that respond to the irregularities of the road surface, and control how your Mercedes moves. You can be assured that the steering and suspension components of your Mercedes have been precision engineered, and have undergone the most rigorous of fault tolerance testings. However, in time, normal wear of parts will affect the way you handle your car, and understanding how these parts work will eventually enhance your driving experience.

The Mercedes tie rod is an integral part of the steering system responsible for delivering the force necessary to turn the wheels of your car. Located between the center link and the steering knuckle on conventional suspension systems, it's job is to convey the steering wheel's motion to the front tires no matter what the angle of the linkage or the vibration from the road. The Mercedes tie rod consists of the inner tie rod that attaches to either end of the center link to provide pivot points for the steering wheel, and the outer tie rod that connects to the steering knuckles, which makes the tires turn. The adjustment sleeve joins the inner and outer Mercedes tie rods, reconciling any alignments in the front wheel.

If the steering of your Mercedes has not been as responsive lately, or if you are putting additional effort in cranking the steering wheel, then there is a good chance that your Mercedes tie rod has become worn or loose. Listen to any popping sounds when you turn your steering wheel as this indicates that your Mercedes tie rod needs to be tightened or replaced. Your Mercedes tie rod ensures the proper alignment of your tires and if it is not properly tuned up, you will experience some looseness in the steering. This causes wobbly driving, which is punishing to your front wheels and makes them wear out faster. A good way to tell if your Mercedes tie rod needs fine-tuning or replacement is by looking for uneven or feathered wear pattern on the front tires. A defective tie rod becomes a safety concern because when it snaps, you will lose steering control and risk an accident. Thus, it is always advisable to regularly inspect your car's steering and suspension system and replace a defective tie rod you find. The usual way of maintaining your Mercedes tie rod is by packing it with grease using a grease gun. Have your Mercedes Benz serviced twice a year as well to make sure that all parts are functioning properly, so you can get the most out of your car's driving power and fully appreciate the unrivalled control and comfort it offers.