I have a '79 240D. The steering has recently started making noise when I first drive the car.

I would best describe the noise as a moaning and groaning, with a bit of creaking thrown in. This lasts for the first two or three minutes that the car is driven...after that, it's quiet. If the car has sat for a bit (10 mins or so), there is mild noise for maybe the first minute the car is driven (but it goes away more quickly than if the car has been sitting overnight or all day).

Is this a sign that the PS pump is going, or is there something else to check out?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Try removing the PS filter in the bottom of the reservoir and renewing the fluid.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Yes, having fresh enough power steering fluid and filter matters. But I would look at the steering idler arm. The groaning is something my W123's have done.

+1 on 1st step being change fluid/filter. When I did this on a new to me 1980 240D, it had a 3 piece filter, likes of which I had never seen. A retired MBZ master tech on another forum said itwas probably original & that Mercedes went to 1 piece, paper core filter in the early 80's. That 240D had regular dealer service for about 15 years from new. Don

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John 5:25

thanks, folks. I'll replace the fluid and filter and see if that does the trick.

You need to get all/most of the old fluid out at least on Dodge trucks which use a Saginaw steering box. Those trucks do not have a filter in the steering system. I've seen Mercedes filters that have been left in for a loooooong time without changing.

If new fluid and a flush doesn't cure it, you can try synthetic fluid. That has also postponed a new box - again, on the Dodge.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Well, as the wisdom of the forum suspected, a fluid renewal did the trick. Steering is smooth, quiet and buttery.

The fluid level was fairly low...looks like the pump is leaking. I'll just have to make sure I keep the fluid topped off until I get around to rebuilding it (looks like a the rebuild consists of replacing a couple seals and should be accessible even to my fairly limited wrenching ability).

Thanks again everyone for the advice!