Hello all

I hope somebody can help, this is doing my head in.

I have a 2001/2002 Mercedes ML320 (Petrol). Its been recently MOT'd. When I set off from a standing start and turn the steering wheel, there is a "Crunching" sound coming from what feels like the right hand front of the car. Its now started to make the noise (Slightly less than when turning) when I move off in a straight line. Today the skid warning light kept coming on when I set off from traffic lights (Dry road) and at one point the ETS, BASESP and the other one (All three lights on the left). The brakes are in OK condition I think. I want to fix this myself if possible as I have done lots of jobs on this car (They are lemons in my humble opinion).



Just to clarify then.... It started with a noise when I turned right and moved off from a standing start, the noise is like a crunching ratchety sound. Its now doing it when I move away with the wheels straight. The skid light comes on just as I move away and then goes off once I am moving. Its like a groaning tapping noise, I do not think it is the power steering unit thought I do sometimes here a whine when I have it on full lock. It's almost as if something is catching or grinding on the wheel as I move but this may not be the case.

 

front lower ball joint are common and they knock over bumps and also crunch/creek when turning. could also be torsion bar support brackets but that is more when coming to a stop when braking hard.