Strange intermittent steering binding
 

My steering is binding intermittantly, usually on left turns. I thought the fluid was low, but its still doing it after I topped it off all the way. Do I need a new steering box?

Maybe a steering component? Such as the stabilizer or a tie rod end? Definitely worth looking into before the box. I could only imagine how much of a PIA, changing that out could be. Have you done any adjustments to the box? Maybe it's adjusted too tight (IIRC, there should be at least 1/2" of play) I haven't read of any cases of failed steering boxes, here on the forum.

I have not touched any steering components, and nothing seems to be stuck. Disconnecting the PS belt fixes it, its almost like the power steering is fighting me when I try to turn, since its significantly easier to turn without the belt than when its acting up.

How exactly does the steering box determine which way I'm trying to turn? Could there be a stuck valve or something?

Could be a stuck valve or internal failure in the steering box. Is the fluid/filter clean?

Fluid was leaking a couple months ago, but a bottle of stop leak fixed it. It was ran dry for quite a while though. I assumed it was only a temporary fix, but definitely didn't expect it to fail by not allowing me to turn...

Was this during wet weather? Mine does this after the belts get wet.

Nope, CUTTING the belt actually made things better, so theres definitely something wrong with the steering box, when its harder to turn with power steering than without.

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Does anyone know how hard it is to rebuild a power steering box?

Doing a flush, with new fluid, might resolve the issue. On other vehicles, I've seen where this really improved the smoothness of the power steering. It's pretty simple to do by just disconnecting the low-pressure hose and allowing the old fluid to run into a receptacle. Meanwhile, maintaining fluid level in the the pump with new fluid.

Perhaps the stop leak also stopped the steering box from working correctly? :eek:

Ain't No Such Thang as "Stop Leak" in an MB
 

Now,There's all kinds of "Stop" fluids...
They'll "STOP" the proper function of WHATEVER you put them in.