1972 280. Wondering if anyone has ever changed this seal while leaving the gearbox on.





I know my car is a gasser but you guys seem to do good diy work on those diesels

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JHaburay

1972 280se 4.5 "princess"
1986 2.3-16v first 100 (099) USA

Caint necessarily help with the repair but can tell you why it's leaking.... The 1972 steering box is designed for hydraulic fluid or old Ford type ATF as closest subsitute.

Modern auto tranny fluids filled with additives are notorious for eating nylon bushings and seals found in old world vintage/classic MB steering boxes like on your 280.

First thing I'd do is flush whatever fluid you've got in there now. The approved procedure for flushing is disconnect the power steering return line and crank the engine with distributor cap disconnected (so the engine doesnt start) then crank the system dry. It will take about 45 seconds.

MB makes their own hydraulic fluid for about $9 per pint if you caint find any Ford type ATF from 30 yrs ago. And there's a small $3 pancake filter in bottom of the PS reservoir you want to replace too.

Finally, if you're a real cobbler like me who's not scared of improvising your own last-ditch DIY repair work, try running a little bit of regular 'oil stop-leak sealant' snake oil product designed for engines through the system mixed with the bogus tranny fluid you've got in there now, say for a couple of hours at idling in between making the flush with new filter to what the system was designed for. If it gums up the steering box a little that's probably a good thing. (edit: this is risky measure, but i'm thinkin the worst that can happen is you clog the filter - and it just might seal your pitman arm!).

ok, worth a try; snake oil for engines- run about couple hours
then flush system with dist cap off
add new correct fluid.

thanks

__________________
JHaburay

1972 280se 4.5 "princess"
1986 2.3-16v first 100 (099) USA