Power Steering Filter, where and how to change?
 

Could someone post directions on how to (pictures are great!) change it or point me in the direction where to look? I've searched on how to change the power steering filter but didn't see any postings related directly to the 300 series diesels. I've looked at the power steering reservoir on my car and on other cars at the local pick and pulls, I figure the filter is at the bottom of the reservoir, but I'm not certain how to get to it and change it. Unfortunately, the readily available manuals for the 300's are sorely lacking in detailed information on our cars. Any info you may have on the filter change procedures and any manuals that you may recommend is greatly appreciated.

Remove the top of the power steering fluid reservoir, remove the fluid using a Mighty Vac or some other device to suck it out and when you get to the bottom of the reservoir you will see the filter. Undo the nut on top of the threaded rod, remove the spring and you should now be able to take some needle nose pliers and lift the filter out.

Engatwork is right on target. The procedure is simple. the nut on the top of the post is 10mm and just snug. If you want to change the filter without draining the fluid, use a small needlenose and 'hunt' for the rond holes in the top of the old filter. A book that describes the entire process is the Mercedes Bible for w124 cars. If you need the author, I'll check at home; if you want photos, I can post pictures of the pages in the book that relate. Let me know, but, in the mean time don't be affraid to try the replacement based on the good advice from Engatwork. Good luck.

You may also want to consider complete evacuation method. By using sucking method, you are only evacuating a small portion of fluid (over half still in lines and steering box) and you will need to repeat several times after running to get a high proportion replaced. Other method, while a little more complex, involves disconnecting return line and flushing into a container until fluid runs fresh (while adding to reservoir) which is easiest on a W123 or simply placing a small clear hose into the return line from inside reservoir and draining into a container while adding fresh fluid which is the easier methiod on a W124 car. Either way, you need 2 persons to do this correctly to avoid pump running "dry." The W123 method has been explained by an off-site link posted before.

Good luck.

If I recall, TX Bill has a sight that has this on it. Its a real easy job.