Might as well check into this issue as well. Other than "replace the rack", I was wondering if doing a fluid change on this might help. Is there a good low point in the system to drain from? Then run it a few times and repeat the process in an attempt to clean it up?

I recall a discussion that there was not a filter in the system and then another discussion that stated the filter was in the reservior, what do the pro's say?

Thanks again.

__________________
raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

You may want to post this question at Benzworld.org under the w210 forum as another source of help. I also have a 99 E300 that has the same ps groan that you describe (151K miles). I have not done anything other than check that the fluid level was correct. I was assuming the PS pump was on the way out, but I know what is said about when I assume something. Wish I could give you an answer, good luck.

Mike

Thanks! I doubt it would hurt to change the fluid, but you never know if draining it would leave an air pocket or what.

__________________
raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

I had this problem and it was a teentsy bit low. About a 1/4 cup and it has been silent ever since.

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Mine was making some noise like you described and I changed the fluid and it is a lot quieter now. I sucked out the old stuff with a mighty vac and filled the same amount back in with new. I did this several times until I use a liter of new fluid, each time running the car and steering wheel lock to lock. I have 190k and I think it may have been never changed from the looks of what came out. I can still hear my pump groan once and awhile when turning but not every time like I use to hear it.

__________________
1999 E300 TD 190,000
1996 Passat TDI 225,000-sold
1996 E300 120,000-sold
1998 Jetta TDI 186,000 -sold
1983 Chev Suburban C20 6.2-sold

Thanks guys. Looks like the suck out as much as you can refill & repeat with full range of steering cycling several times between is the approved method, until you have the quart gone as described. Also research indicated that changing the reservior may also help especially if the screen has blown out, so I will see how much that costs as well.

Thanks

__________________
raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

I was able to flush mine with the help of my wife (to the shut the car off quickly if things went south). Pop the return hose off the reservoir and extend it (3/8" brake line worked as a coupler with generic hose) and run it into a clear container. Simultaneously pour the new fluid into the reservoir and voila! I remember getting some NASTY looking fluid. With the cap off, turn the wheel from lock to lock and it'll bleed the air out. ******** AZ has O.E. Mercedes fluid on the cheap.

Well amongst other things I worked on the fluid this weekend.

Took the lazy route. Stuck a hose in the resivour tank at the return, applied a vacuum, stuck it in a bucket. Fluid started to head out, worked the steering a tad, poured more in, repeated all the while slowly draining some filthy stuff out. Now it's quiet as can be.

I need to dial into proper level along with the tranny change some night this week.

Good to be getting some stuff handled

__________________
raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

It's always nice when it's the cheap and easy stuff that fixes a problem. I got a CHERRY 84 SD cheap a few years back becuase the steering was making an awful racket, the MBZ dealer around these parts told the owner it was going to be a X hundred dollar repair reqiuring a new pump, ball joints, etc, etc... The wealthy owner didn't want to fuss with it so I picked it up, turned out to be a bit low on old fluid, a flush and filter change and it's been good as new from that day on.