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  #1  
Old 08-16-2001, 10:24 PM
jeric
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How can you tell if you Power Steering pump is...

Hi,

I'm trying to determine if my power steering pump is functioning correctly. I've read the manual and I'm not sure I fully understand what I'm reading. I've confirmed that the fluid level is where it should be.

Here's the deal, over the weekend I drove a 240D, the steering was sooooo much easier than mine. The car was very easy to steer, and very responsive. Mine, on the other hand is much harder to steer, and you actually have to work at it. If I were to take it on a long trip I would be whooped by time I arrived at my destination.

I had intended to replace my steering box (or rebuild if it's not to difficult) in the next couple of days (to address play or slop in the steering). I figure since I'm going to do the steering box I would pay additional attention to the Power Steering pump, but, I would prefer not to replace anything that does not warrant replacement.

Comments please.

tnx,
eric

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  #2  
Old 08-17-2001, 03:51 AM
dzldog
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Question adust steering gearbox

Are you certain that you don't simply need to adjust the steering box to reduce steeringwheel play?
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  #3  
Old 08-17-2001, 08:49 AM
jeric
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Steering gear box has been...

hi dzldog,

Yuppers, I've adjusted the steering box, which resulted in an improvement, but, the car still does not drive as good as the one I drove over the weekend. My car is just flat out hard to drive.

I thought that changing the steering box would address this, but, at this time, I'm not completly sure that this (the hard driving) isn't a result of the power steering pump.

My lack of knowledge does not help identify the problem by any means.

tnx,
eric
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  #4  
Old 08-17-2001, 08:59 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 333
Re: adust steering gearbox

Quote:
Originally posted by dzldog
Are you certain that you don't simply need to adjust the steering box to reduce steeringwheel play?

Eric,

I would agree with dzldog. I had slop on my steering and was able to remove the play by adjusting the bolt that sits right on top of the steering box. You have to first loosen the locking nut that surrounds the bolt. Once you have loosened the nut then you use an allen head wrench to turn the bolt COUNTERCLOCKWISE to remove the play. This is by trial and error because if you turn counterclockwise too much, the steering will not feel correct. Turn the bolt 1/4 of a turn at at time and mark it before you turn so you know what your starting positon was. I remembered that I had to turn the bolt on the steering box about two full turns before I got it to where I wanted it. I don't have my mercedes CD with me but I believe the tolerance at the steering wheel is about 3/4 at the steering wheel but somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, replace the steering fluid with regular power steering fluid and also make absolutely sure you replace the power steering pump filter. It is located at the bottom of the pump and you won't be able to see it without first removing the fluid and a metal plate that sits right on top of the filter. What was weird, though, was that the old original filter looked nothing like the new filter I replaced. The old filter looked like pressed cork that was circular (3/4 inch thick) but it was very hard. The new filter has a paper element and is about 3/4 inch thick. Be careful, though because there is a spring that is centered in the middle of the reservoir that holds the filter down in its place and there is a metal clip that keeps that spring under tension; remove the clip with pliers. You will see it when you remove the top of the reservoir cover.

I learned a trick on replacing the power steering fluid. Disconnect the return line going to the steering box from the pump (it is the hose that doesn't have the pressed fitted connection) and have a small bucket available. Place the hose into the bucket and start the car for a couple of seconds (you will need an assistant for this). The pump will drain all the fluid within the pump reservoir and the steering box. Then replenish with clean fluid and repeat the procedure until the fluid is nice and clean. IT sure made it difference when I replaced the fluid in my car. Before, it was changed the fluid was black and when I got done it had a nice honey color to it and I was able to see to the bottom of the reservoir.

Maybe it could be that the filter is clogged on your car that is making it difficult to pump fluid to the steering box. Just a thought.

Herb
'82 240D
117,000 miles
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  #5  
Old 08-17-2001, 02:06 PM
jeric
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Thanks Herb,

I'm going to follow your advice and check the filter. You maybe onto something here. Even after looking at the manual, I did not realize that there is a filter there. I will do the filter check and fluid change this weekend to see what the results net. Thanks for the advice.

eric
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  #6  
Old 08-17-2001, 07:24 PM
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA
Posts: 214
I was also surprised with the shape of the new steering fluid filter. I pulled out the old filter (the ring-shaped one) and opened the box for the new one, and was quite confused. Anyway, changing p/s fluid really quieted down my steering, which had been making groaning sounds when steering a certain amount and at certain speeds.

The new filter came with a gasket that didn't fit my pump. I assumed it was supposed to go underneath the pump lid. There wasn't a gasket in the pump before, so I just kept the old gasket in my box-O-parts.

I might try adjusting the steering box when I put it all back together.

- Nathan
'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 New Beetle TDI
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  #7  
Old 08-17-2001, 07:55 PM
CJ CJ is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Earth
Posts: 1,318
Jeric,
I just wanted to say that you have a very cool car. I have always wanted a 123 diesel with the body color wheel covers. Very cool & classy.
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  #8  
Old 08-18-2001, 08:53 PM
jeric
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Lightbulb

CJ: Thanks. I LOVE my Benz

airfoil:

THANKS, your discription was picture perfect! I drianed my PS pump this afternoon. I removed the filter and my filter was the paper variety. Unforunatly. I won't be able to get a replacement until Monday. I can't wait to see if this resolves my problem. the filter I removed is rather dirty.

In your post you mentioned your PS fluid was the color of honey, my is a very dark red. I suspect my started off as red and not honey. Is there one brand that maybe better than another?

Again, thanks for the input, it was excellant, I'll let you know how it turns out.

eric
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  #9  
Old 08-18-2001, 11:54 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 333
Eric

I'm glad you were able to locate the filter. I forgot which brand I purchased of power steering fluid but as long as it is clean and new is all that matters. Also, make sure it is regular power steering fluid because I've heard of some people using automatic transmission fluid and this causes problems with the existing seals.


Herb
'82 240D
117,000 miles
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  #10  
Old 08-19-2001, 04:17 PM
jeric
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How awesome!

Herb,

I've replaced the filter and the fluid, and WOW what a difference this has made in my steering! Me soooo happy
:p

I also went back and re-adjusted my steering box, this too has helped, but I still have some play. I'll need to drive it some more to determine if I should replace the steering box or not. I'm inclined to replace it.

Great advice! Now it's time for a Sunday cruise

Thanks for the awesome help,
Eric
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  #11  
Old 08-20-2001, 12:00 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 333
Thumbs up

Eric,

Glad to be of help.

Herb

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