Thank you fo the write ups. It was very helpful.

I fixed my daughter's 1997 E320 last Sunday. I had already bought the power steering oil the day before from the MB dealer when it was open. I verified that the problem was a failed O ring at the steering column on Sunday.

I was determined to fix the problem on that Sunday as my daughter needed the car on Monday. Dealer was closed on Sunday for parts. I went to the local Auto Parts store, but no luck. I went to Lowes and was able to find the O rings very close or even exact to the size I needed.

You need 4 O rings total to change all of them while you are at it. They were very cheap at Lowes. about $1.20 for all four. Two in each package.

Look in the plumbing department area and look for the brand Brass Craft with part number 0542. O ring size that I bought is 1-1/4" I.D. (1-7/16" O.D.) x 3/32" wall.

You need an E14 external torx socket for the job.

There is usually a lot of crud and oily mud in there. Make sure you clean everything up before you reinstall for a tight fit and to make sure it will not leak.

Be patient as this DYI needs some finess and make sure you change all 4 O rings.