W204 - C Class C220 Steering Damper?

[sicasey]

I'm frantically trying to troubleshoot a front end suspension/steering issue that's ruining the drive of my W204 (face lift) C220 CDi.

At any speed over 50mph ish the ride feels floaty and un-precise.

Small holes, bumps etc. seem to upset the steering and it feels very light.

So far, I've had the tracking checked, new front Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, near side lower control arm replaced, visual inspection of front suspension components and the tracking checked again.

I've read in a few places that many Mercedes of this vintage (and earlier) have 'steering dampers' that a prone to wear early.

I'm struggling to confirm weather or not the face lift W204 does in fact have one?

This car has had fairly light usage @ 60K miles.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Dog Star]

Not W203 but I had the damper replaced on my R170 SLK and that made a big difference - it cured a motorway wobble too.

They’re only cheap.

[Ian-27xza]

Yup, has the steering damper replaced on my SLK 320, really improved the handling. IIRC the part was £100 fitted - easily the best £100 I ever spent on any car I've ever owned.

Back to the OP, I do not know if the W204 has a steering damper - it is 1 or 2 generations newer than an SLK 320.

[sicasey]

Thanks both, I've heard that when replaced it does in fact made a huge difference.

Hoping to get confirmation that the W204 does/does not have a steering damper?