Is this a power steering problem. 1985 300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

azitizz · #1 03-17-2012, 09:16 PM

Ive been feeling like theres something up with the power steering. Not sure though. When I turn right its as if the power steering engages and disengages rapidly several times creating a sort of bumpy steering effect.

I did notice that the left front tire is low, but there is also quite a bit of play in the steering. That could be a different issue though. Ive been reading a bit already about the coupler. What level should the power steering fluid be at?

vstech · #2 03-17-2012, 09:19 PM

the fluid should be clear/pink, and not frothy or dirty. there is a filter in the bottom of the reservoir, that needs replacement. also the fluid needs to be flushed periodically. it sounds like you have either a plugged filter, or low fluid, or both.

vstech · #3 03-17-2012, 09:19 PM

it could also be a simple loose belt...

Biodiesel300TD · #4 03-17-2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

it could also be a simple loose belt...

That is what I'd check first. Make sure the belt is tightened properly.

azitizz · #5 03-21-2012, 09:14 PM

Belt is fine. I had replaced them all about 3 years ago. Getting the right tire pressure helped. The fluid level is a bit low, and come to think of it Ive never changed the PS fluid. I have a new filter that's been hanging around for over a year now so it would probably be a good idea.
What kind of ATF fluid could you use? Is it very important to have a particular grade or could i just use the same stuff I use for the transmission?

Also my hanes manual seems to show a different version of the PS reservoir/pump. It doesnt mention anything about a filter and its replacement.
Thanks

azitizz · #6 07-24-2012, 07:27 PM

The problem continues... It stopped for some unknown reason when it was very hot outside (perhaps just coincidence) but I replaced the fluid and filter, and belts seem fine, Wouldnt it squeek if it was the belt?

How to check the tension without a special tool?

pawoSD · #7 07-24-2012, 10:06 PM

If the belt is worn or if an oil leak is getting onto the belt, it can quietly slide/slip under load.

Air&Road · #8 07-25-2012, 07:53 AM

Three year old belts?

The best thing for these cars is PS fluid from the parts store. Flushing the system and replacing the filter about every 100,000 miles or so will probably keep it going forever, assuming of course, that it was okay to start with.

About the only malady usually seen with these systems, as long as they are properly maintained, is a loose belt or a leak. Flushing the system periodically will usually keep it this way.

azitizz · #9 08-22-2012, 10:40 PM

Interesting so, today I completely lost power steering for right hand turns. Left hand is fine.
The right has been weak and intermittent in the last months and after a filter and fluid change as well as an alignment it never seemed to solve the problem.

Any Ideas what could be causing such a drastic difference from left to right steering? I don't see any visible leaks and the fluid level is remaining topped up.

Thanks for any clues.

azitizz · #10 08-23-2012, 10:43 AM

I wondered if a line could be clogged? Is that likely?

martureo · #11 08-23-2012, 02:42 PM

The two lines from the p/s pump are the pressurized line and the return line. One of the lines being clogged wouldn't effect the p/s steering from left to right (they may cause your engine bay to be covered in oil

).

Are you sure you have no power steering from left to right? Or is it something in the mechanical linkage dragging from one side to the other?

I would put the car on jacks high enough that the front wheels were free to turn, then with the car off turn the steering wheel from opposite lock to opposite lock. If you cannot feel what you are describing I would turn the car on and test again. I would only blame the p/s if the symptoms only appear while the engine is on.

If you do the above test and the power steering is definitely at fault I would suggest either you have a p/s pump that has an uncanny desire to only feed pressure while you're steering in one direction (which may be a problem with the belt) or you need to get a replacement steering box.

Source: I reseal/adjust steering boxes.

azitizz · #12 08-23-2012, 09:57 PM

Ill have to do the check as you suggested. I havent got it near the shop yet...

Its odd. It happened relatively suddenly, although there were symptoms of it in the months past. As if it was intermittently harder to make right turns.

Yesterday Everything was as usual for the morning and after shutting off the car for about 15 min and then returning, it was like the steering almost jerked to the left on its own. I tried to get myself out of my parking spot and it was basically like trying to turn you wheels with the vehicle off in one spot.

Turning left is a breeze.

Once you get moving its of course easier to turn right because of less friction with the ground moving forward. But try and turn right after parallel parking... oouf, My arm is aching a bit from making those turns all day in the city...

azitizz · #13 08-27-2012, 02:02 PM

So I raised it up to free the front wheels, and its definitely a PS issue. When the ignition is off steering feels normal both Left and right. When I turn the ignition on wham, it forces the steering to the left.

What could this be?