Removing water from power steering system. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KAdams4458 · #1 05-19-2007, 10:56 PM

So, like a moron, I didn't bother checking the condition of the power steering pump cap gasket before cleaning up the engine compartment with degreaser and water. To further add insult to self-inflicted injury, I ran and operated the vehicle, which gave me a strawberry milkshake effect. (Okay, it's sort of a dirty milkshake, too.)

Luckily, I had intended to flush the steering system fluid as catch-up maintenance before putting the car on the road. I guess now I better get it cleaned out first, though.

What's the best way to tackle this? I'm having this crazy idea of connecting the low-pressure return hose to a large waste fluid container, and cycling the pump while keeping the reservoir level topped off, thereby purging the system by flushing large amounts of fresh fluid through it, but that may be over-complicating things. Presumably, one guy will have to operate the steering rack by turning it back and forth while a second one keeps the fluid topped up.

#2 05-19-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

What's the best way to tackle this? I'm having this crazy idea of connecting the low-pressure return hose to a large waste fluid container, and cycling the pump while keeping the reservoir level topped off, thereby purging the system by flushing large amounts of fresh fluid through it... Presumably, one guy will have to operate the steering rack by turning it back and forth while a second one keeps the fluid topped up.

That's the way to do it.

Remember to lift the front wheels off the ground to make turning easier.

Mister Byrnzoil · #3 05-19-2007, 11:16 PM

FYI- that pump moves a lot of fluid in a short time.

KAdams4458 · #4 05-19-2007, 11:42 PM

Fantastic. Thank you all. I'm going to err on the overkill side, and pump a few gallons through the system. I don't want any trace of water left in it.

As for the pump cap gasket, what material is it constructed from? I ordered a bunch of parts for the car the other day, and somehow managed to not add the gasket to the shopping cart. The Dealership suggested it will take a week to order the part, and the guys at NAPA have no idea how to get the gasket for me, since it doesn't appear on their system. If possible, I'll just recreate one from a sheet of gasket material until I work up another parts order large enough to qualify for free shipping.

#5 05-20-2007, 12:06 AM

Common powersteering fluid is fine.

Some have said that ATF DexIII/Merc will cause leaks.

KAdams4458 · #6 05-20-2007, 12:24 AM

I have heard that. As someone with a lot of lubricant experience, I know that modern day ATF is not like the ATF of yesterday... Err. Yesteryear.

I will admit to topping it off with Dexron III for the drive home after purchase, simply because it was low and howling as a result. In that instance, any fluid beats no fluid. As it turns out, the low pressure line is actually loose at both ends. - It spins rather freely on each nipple. Gee, I think I found the leak.

I'll be flushing and filling it with basic power steering fluid.

charmalu · #7 05-20-2007, 03:59 AM

be sure to change your power steering filter after all this work.
as all our 123`s are geting older, keep an eye on that return hose,
mine was leaking pwr steering fluid through the sides of the hose.
and when you buy that hose they sell it by the meter, and you only
need about half that amount.

KAdams4458 · #8 05-20-2007, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

be sure to change your power steering filter after all this work.
as all our 123`s are geting older, keep an eye on that return hose,
mine was leaking pwr steering fluid through the sides of the hose.
and when you buy that hose they sell it by the meter, and you only
need about half that amount.

I've got a box with German writing all over it that contains a brand new filter sitting in the back of my wife's Kia as I type. As for the hose, I'll probably just pick up some bulk hose at the NAPA. They sell it by the inch.

At this time, the old hose is completely covered in fluid, and being covered in a woven material, I consider it suspect. It's definitely going to be replaced. The high-pressure line seems to be in decent condition, though.