Steering Wheel Frozen/Power Steering Pump Fail??? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

psaboic · #31 03-21-2019, 05:19 PM

Just re-read my original post. I have a power steering PUMP off an 83 300D on the shelf, not a box.....if you are interested......

97 SL320 · #32 03-21-2019, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbob

First off, thanks for the responses. To say that I'm in over my head is an understatement so any/all help is greatly appreciated.

Okay, so let me try to break it down and give you all a play by play. Warning, this will most likely be a long breakdown.

With all of this going on and with your limited experience do the following. ( And this is coming from pro not a DIY guy. )

Elevate the front wheels and with the engine off, turn the steering wheel. It should turn in both directions without any issue. If OK then the steering box should be OK. I'm really thinking you have never dealt with loss of power assist / a manual steering car.

There is a small chance the suspension ball joints are so rusty they are binding. When this occurs the car is basically undrivable / catches a groove in the road / wanders violently due to the wheels not finding their own center. If the car drive smooth before the pump issue, rusted ball joints are not likely.

Get a known good used pump and have someone experienced in building pumps reseal it. Any good mechanic can do this.

You could have the current pump resealed but I'd be concerned that the shaft bushing is worn or damaged and would cause a leak. Also I'd be concerned that the current pump has missing / damaged parts from a home repair that a mechanic might miss if not familiar with this specific type of pump.

Bleeding the power steering system isn't as big of a deal that some make it out to be.

1) Fill with fluid to the cold mark not the, the hot mark.

2) Elevate front wheels ( just to make it easier to turn ) ,

3) Start engine ,

4) Stop engine

5) check fluid level

6) start engine

7)Turn to full lock in both directions 2 x ( Don't hold the wheel hard on the stop as this elevates hydraulic pressure and aerates fluid )

8) Stop engine,

9) Check fluid level / leaks.

10) Add fluid if needed

11) If the fluid is foamy, let it sit for a few minutes / until the fluid is clear.

12) repeat 5 - 11 as needed. Generally it only takes 2 go rounds to get things clear.

johnbob · #33 03-21-2019, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

No worries, I read over your post.

Moral of this story is to post here with questions first about your project and then tackle it if you're not sure

Someone would have caught your mistake and directed you to the right thing.

From what everyone has written, I think your power steering BOX is probably fine. Though, I'm sorry to say that your car is definitely out of service for the time being. I would plan on bumming rides, Lyfting, or getting a rental care for the interim.

You can purchase the correct seal kit and try again. Given what you've written about your abilities in doing car repair I wouldn't advise that. No offense intended, but even I don't attempt rebuilding things like pumps, steering boxes, calipers, MCs, etc. I'm too lazy and let other people do that. Avoids shenanigans like this.

I would instead purchase a rebuilt PUMP (notice the emphasis of what I am writing

).

Where in the world are you based? Your location will dictate the next advise I will give you.

Firstly, go to google and look for your nearest Napa Autoparts. They sell a rebuilt version of the pump for your car. Here's a link https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PNB381384

Check if they have it in stock. If not, give them a call. They've surprised me previously with what they can get me in a very short amount of time. I've gotten calipers and MCs in under a day which is astounding for $128.

If you're based in California, I recommend you look at our forum sponsor for a rebuilt pump.

If you're not in CA and someplace else, check around for a rebuilt pump.

If you DO decide that you're up for doing this resealing correctly, may I recommend you look at this page here: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W123/52-ENGINE-Power_Steering_Pump_Rebuild/52-ENGINE-Power_Steering_Pump_Rebuild.htm

This is an instructional on how to rebuild the power steering pump. On the right there are links to the seal kits you can purchase.

I would take a picture of your pump serial number and call Pelican to make sure that you're getting the right part. Since the seal kit is really cheap, I would opt for overnight shipping and just pay for it. Call off work, get your PS oil (don't use ATF), remove the pump, and be ready to reseal it using the instructions above.

Bleed the system and come back here to tell us your success.

I know this will sound absurd after reading about my previous mishap but I think I did actually rebuild and reinstall the pump correctly, albeit with the wrong seal. Ha ha! I went through the actual steps correctly though. I feel confident that I can correctly reseal the pump with the right parts at this point. Whether or not I did permanent damage to the pump or box remains to be seen though.

I actually did use that link: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W123/52-ENGINE-Power_Steering_Pump_Rebuild/52-ENGINE-Power_Steering_Pump_Rebuild.htm
as my guide and I made sure to follow it perfectly. In fact, I think I was so focused on following the steps correctly, I spaced on the fact that I had the wrong kit.

Oh, and yes, I live Los Angeles. I've already figured out the correct parts, ordered them from Pelican and received them yesterday. I bought the seals and some more power steering fluid.

I'm going to take another stab at the reseal and if I fail this time I will definitely buy another one or probably have someone else do the work. Thanks for the feedback!

johnbob · #34 03-21-2019, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

Just re-read my original post. I have a power steering PUMP off an 83 300D on the shelf, not a box.....if you are interested......

I already bought the correct seals and want to give it one more shot. If I fail again, I will definitely be hitting you up about buying yours. Thanks so much for the offer. I'll let you know soon if I need it.

johnbob · #35 03-21-2019, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

With all of this going on and with your limited experience do the following. ( And this is coming from pro not a DIY guy. )

Elevate the front wheels and with the engine off, turn the steering wheel. It should turn in both directions without any issue. If OK then the steering box should be OK. I'm really thinking you have never dealt with loss of power assist / a manual steering car.

There is a small chance the suspension ball joints are so rusty they are binding. When this occurs the car is basically undrivable / catches a groove in the road / wanders violently due to the wheels not finding their own center. If the car drive smooth before the pump issue, rusted ball joints are not likely.

Get a known good used pump and have someone experienced in building pumps reseal it. Any good mechanic can do this.

You could have the current pump resealed but I'd be concerned that the shaft bushing is worn or damaged and would cause a leak. Also I'd be concerned that the current pump has missing / damaged parts from a home repair that a mechanic might miss if not familiar with this specific type of pump.

Bleeding the power steering system isn't as big of a deal that some make it out to be.

1) Fill with fluid to the cold mark not the, the hot mark.

2) Elevate front wheels ( just to make it easier to turn ) ,

3) Start engine ,

4) Stop engine

5) check fluid level

6) start engine

7)Turn to full lock in both directions 2 x ( Don't hold the wheel hard on the stop as this elevates hydraulic pressure and aerates fluid )

8) Stop engine,

9) Check fluid level / leaks.

10) Add fluid if needed

11) If the fluid is foamy, let it sit for a few minutes / until the fluid is clear.

12) repeat 5 - 11 as needed. Generally it only takes 2 go rounds to get things clear.

I'm going to make a second attempt at resealing the pump now that I have the correct parts. Hopefully you're right and once elevated it will turn easier. My first car (about 20 years ago) was actually a little Toyota pickup that did not have power steering and although it didn't turn easily, it wasn't like this. This feels locked, so we'll see. Hopefully, it also isn't rusted ball joints or the shaft bushing. It could definitely be missing parts or have been damaged from a previous home repair though for sure. I've already found a few mysterious "repairs" so nothing will surprise me at this point.

Thanks for the step by step breakdown though, I'll really appreciate it. I'll definitely follow it.

HuskyMan · #36 03-21-2019, 10:50 PM

We all approach our cars differently. I've been able to cross the river jordan with much help and assistance from this forum. That said, there are still a few repair problems I outsource.

Rebuildling transmissions and engines are among those items. Also, I will not attempt to rebuild steering pumps or steering GEARS. I've located an extremely knowledgeable shop in town that can rebuild/remanufacture almost anything on german cars.

I'm planning on pulling out the steering gear on the 1991 560SEL and having them rebuild it. Could I do it? Possibly, but why take the risk when such expert help is just around the corner!

martureo · #37 03-22-2019, 03:28 PM

I can't believe the nonsense I've read in this thread. Thankfully 97 SL320 among others have chimed in with accurate information.

If the OP needs any more assurance about the steering box I recondition these steering boxes regularly and have done over 150 of them. Your box is fine. Had you emptied the fluid out of the bottom of the box it might have less lubrication in it and I wouldn't run it very long, but short of draining the box you're just fine.

The worst boxes I've ever received to be reconditioned were those who had water in the system, the fluid was never changed, the box was "cooked" by an improperly insulated exhaust system or had particulates in the system.

Again, your box is fine.

johnbob · #38 03-28-2019, 12:35 PM

***UPDATE***

I'm happy to report that I now have a properly resealed and reinstalled power steering pump with upgraded enhanced power steering fluid. I no longer have leaks and most importantly.... my steering wheel is not locked up and it once again, turns left and right freely. What a relief!!! I can now move on to my next project, my temperature gauge (I'll post about that in a new post.)

Thanks to everyone for their comments and tips.

97 SL320 · #39 03-28-2019, 04:33 PM

Just for completeness.

Please turn the ignition key to the run position but do not crank or start the engine. With the engine not running, try and turn the steering wheel. Is the steering locked as it was before?

johnbob · #40 03-28-2019, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Just for completeness.

Please turn the ignition key to the run position but do not crank or start the engine. With the engine not running, try and turn the steering wheel. Is the steering locked as it was before?

Nope, it's all good now. I was driving it around last night. The steering wheel turns nice and smooth now. Thanks for your input.

97 SL320 · #41 03-28-2019, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbob

Nope, it's all good now. I was driving it around last night. The steering wheel turns nice and smooth now. Thanks for your input.

You missed my point.

My goal is to show the steering was never locked and that you only lost power assist. At some point, your engine might stall, power steering hose fail , pump drive belt fail and the loss of power assist _WILL_ cause you to crash. Not because the steering actually locked up but because you are unfamiliar with the loss of power assist.

If for some nearly impossible reason the steering is actually locked when hydraulic pressure is lost, this is a major safety hazard that needs immediate attention as every car can be driven with loss of power assist.

Proceed at your own ( and other road users ) peril.

johnbob · #42 03-28-2019, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

You missed my point.

My goal is to show the steering was never locked and that you only lost power assist. At some point, your engine might stall, power steering hose fail , pump drive belt fail and the loss of power assist _WILL_ cause you to crash. Not because the steering actually locked up but because you are unfamiliar with the loss of power assist.

If for some nearly impossible reason the steering is actually locked when hydraulic pressure is lost, this is a major safety hazard that needs immediate attention as every car can be driven with loss of power assist.

Proceed at your own ( and other road users ) peril.

Ahh, I see now. I will try it when I get home from work and am able to access the car. Thanks for the info.

johnbob · #43 03-31-2019, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Just for completeness.

Please turn the ignition key to the run position but do not crank or start the engine. With the engine not running, try and turn the steering wheel. Is the steering locked as it was before?

Okay, so I elevated the front of the car, turned the key to the run position (without cranking or starting the engine) and the steering wheel turned left and right freely. I'm assuming that's a good thing, right?

97 SL320 · #44 03-31-2019, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbob

Okay, so I elevated the front of the car, turned the key to the run position (without cranking or starting the engine) and the steering wheel turned left and right freely. I'm assuming that's a good thing, right?

Good so far. Please try the same thing with the front wheels on the ground.

johnbob · #45 03-31-2019, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Good so far. Please try the same thing with the front wheels on the ground.

Okay, so with the wheels on the ground and with the key in the run position it does not turn as freely. It turns freely when I start the engine though. Does this mean that I am indeed having a power assist issue? If so, what now? I know the car is having some vacuum issues so is this all related?