What is this thing in my PS pump??
 

I read a couple threads on the subject and figgerd it was time to flush the power steering system... The fluid was somewhere between brown and black.

Following directions I pumped out the old and removed the clip, spring and plate... and HEY!! no filter... just this thing that looks like a spacer plate!?!

http://rbk3.com/mbz/ps%20pump/ps2.JPG

and one more question, how does the filter go in? w/ the holes up and the printing side down?

IIRC that is the old style filter.

thanks for the reply, YUes, I just found it on skinnerbox... is is called a 'filter ring'

I guess maybe it keeps extremely large particles in check, but it seems pretty useless.

I still don't know how the filter goes in... Hollow side up? or holey side up.

Here is how to do your power steering fluid and filter.

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedespowersteeringfluidservice.htm

thks for the reply DG, you saved me from having to do it 2x... I had decided which way the filter was supposed to go in... and it turns out it was upside down. :o

For anyone else who reads this, if your pump still has the old school (cork?) filter ring, I believe you want to ditch the ring, the metal base and the upper plate when you put in the new filter.

BTW-my pump doesn't have the plastic piece or the nut.

thanks again, I'm sure my benz would be a smouldering wreck on the side of the road w/out this forum and its members.