2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Steering Column: Failure Symptoms and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Failing Steering Column

Failures in the GL-Class steering column can be either mechanical or electrical. It's important to distinguish the symptoms to correctly diagnose the problem.

Electrical Failures

• Power Adjustment Failure: The most common issue is the failure of the power tilt (up/down) or telescope (in/out) function. Often, one axis will fail while the other still works. You might hear the motor trying to work, or there may be no response at all.
• ESP/ABS/Traction Control Warnings: If the internal Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) fails, it can no longer report the steering wheel's position to the car's computer. This will trigger warning lights on the dashboard for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, and traction control, as these systems rely on that data to function.
• Loss of Steering Wheel Button Functions: In some cases, a failure within the column's clock spring or wiring can cause the buttons on the steering wheel (for audio, phone, etc.) to stop working.

Mechanical Failures

• Grinding or Clicking Noises: Audible grinding, clicking, or rubbing sounds when turning the wheel or when the power adjustment is active often point to worn internal gears or bearings.
• Sticking or Jammed Adjustment: Sometimes the adjustment mechanism can get stuck, particularly the up/down tilt. Forum users have noted that the motor may draw too many amps, causing the control module to shut it down. A temporary fix can sometimes be to extend the wheel fully and give it a firm downward tap while activating the control switch.
🎬 Watch this video to see the fix for a jammed tilt motor.
• Loose Steering Wheel: A feeling of excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel that isn't related to the vehicle's steering response can indicate worn bearings or mounting points within the column itself.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While the steering column itself is generally robust, the surrounding systems have been subject to recalls and service bulletins. It's important to distinguish between the column (inside the cabin) and the power steering rack (part of the front axle).

• NHTSA Recall 17V241000: This recall affects some 2016 GL-Class models. It concerns an insufficiently sealed connector for the electric power steering rack, which could allow water entry and lead to a loss of power steering assist. This is not a failure of the in-cabin steering column, but it is a critical related safety issue.
• NHTSA Recall 17V627: While not directly for the GL-Class, this recall on other Mercedes models highlights a potential issue with the steering column module. Insufficient grounding combined with a broken clock spring could lead to inadvertent airbag deployment. The fix involves adding a grounding bridge to the steering column components.
• TSB for Jammed Height Adjustment: Mercedes has issued technical service bulletins for other models regarding the electric height adjustment getting jammed. The cause is often a software issue where the motor's amp limit is set too low, or the mechanism simply gets bound up.

Buying a Used Steering Column: What to Check

Purchasing a used OEM steering column is a cost-effective alternative to a new part, but careful verification is essential to ensure you get the right one.

1. Verify Compatibility by Vehicle Options

This is the most critical step. The steering column for the 2013-2016 GL-Class is specific to the vehicle's options. The OEM part numbers provided (1664600816, 1664601116, 1664601316, 1664606200) are for a power-adjustable column for models WITH Lane Keep Assist and memory seats, but WITHOUT a heated steering wheel or Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic).

• Lane Keep Assist: Look for the switch on the dashboard, typically to the left of the steering wheel. The steering column for vehicles with this feature contains a vibration motor.
• Heated Steering Wheel: Check for a small button on the steering wheel itself, often with a steering wheel icon and heat waves. If the donor vehicle has this, the column is not compatible with non-heated models.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic): This system uses a radar sensor in the front grille. The steering column stalk for Distronic is different, and the column's electronics are not interchangeable.

2. Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check all Connectors: Inspect all electrical connectors for bent, broken, or corroded pins. Damage here can render the column useless.
• Inspect the Shaft: Ensure the main steering shaft is straight and has no signs of damage from an accident.
• Test Mechanicals (if possible): If you can, manually rotate the joints to feel for smoothness. There should be no binding or grinding.
• Look for Tampering: Check for stripped screw heads or pry marks, which might indicate a previous failed repair attempt.
• Verify Part Numbers: The OEM part number should be on a sticker on the column. Ensure it matches one of the known compatible numbers. Part number 1664606200 is a common replacement that supersedes older numbers like 1664600816.

Cost Comparison

Prices can vary, but this provides a general idea of the cost savings of a used OEM part.

Replacement Overview and Calibration

Replacing the steering column is a complex job that involves hazardous components and requires special procedures.

• Difficulty: 4 out of 5. This is not recommended for beginners.
• Key Steps: The process involves disconnecting the battery, deactivating and removing the driver's airbag, removing the steering wheel, 🎬 Watch this guide on safely removing the airbag and steering wheel. and then unbolting the column assembly itself. Extreme care must be taken with the airbag system.
• Calibration Required: After installation, the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) must be calibrated. Without this step, the ESP and other safety systems will not function correctly and will display errors. Calibration requires a diagnostic scan tool capable of communicating with Mercedes-Benz systems. A simple code reader will not work.
• Simple Reset: If the battery was disconnected and you see an ESP light, a simple reset can sometimes be performed by starting the engine and turning the steering wheel from full lock to full lock. However, this only works if the original, calibrated sensor is still in place. It will not calibrate a new, unprogrammed sensor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)