Just as an FYI, I replaced the power steering pump tonight on my '85 300SD. It was spewing fluid from the front seal by the pulley, causing a mess inside the engine bay and also on the outside of the car.

I was a bit concerned as the replacement ZF pump that I received, from an '82 300D, had 65 bar pressure as opposed to the 82 bar pressure pump on my car. It appears that the w123 pumps, while they fit perfectly, have different pressure than the w126 power steering pumps. To be sure, I took the car on a test drive tonight. I see no noticeable difference in the performance of either pump. Of course, the parts purists may hate this suggestion, but, if you are in a pinch, then this solution may work. I am sure there is a logical reason why Mercedes chose to engineer these differences in the pumps, but it escapes me. For me, paying $60 for the used part beats paying several hundred for a new one.

Brian

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Brian
'94 E420 - 99K
'12 C300 4 Matic

Previously owned:
'06 CLK 500K Cabriolet
'85 300SD (Old Smokey)
2002 Boxster
2002 C320 (The five-pointed star Mercedes)
1993 300E 3.2 (Dealership's cash cow)
1979 300SD (Chrome beauty)
1983 300D (Old faithful)
1983 240D (Right lane cruiser)
1977 240D (Miracle of bondo)