I'm making an offer on an 86 560SL - has a slight power steering noise when turning. If at standstill and you rock the steering wheel, it just grunts a very sight amount. Steering felt smooth otherwise. What would a guestimate be on repair cost for this? My regular machanic is out for surgery and He's the only guy I trust!

Looks like a good deal, too. 86, 140K but only $10,000.

The power steering fluid is probably running low and therefore air in the system can cause a whining sound...
The costs of repair depend on the cause of lack of oil, which may vary from a leaking hose or hose clamp till a leaking steering-house (however it is called)...

greetingz,

May also be the belt. Does it steer hard when cold?

I also have a 1986 MB 560sl with 120k. Last week I have changed the steering coupling, idler arm repair kit and sterring pump filter. The steering is crisp and easy. Feels very nice almost like new. The steering fluid level is ok also the belt is new but I have a strange sterring whoom noise.

I had this noise before when I had a steering hose leak and not enought of fluid...as soon as I added fluid changed hose there were no whoom noise while steering. This was the case before I did above mentioned repairs.

Does anyone no what would be the culpit in this case since everything is new and there is enough fluid and no leaks but still I have the whoom noise while steering?

Thank you all for any input.

Balsa

Don't forget the filter! Mine was making a noise when cold, but went away when warmed up. I changed the filter, and the fluid, and all is well...

With 140K on the clock, I would want to be able to see all the maintenance records. Specifically, have the timing chain guides been addressed? All the mounting rubber bits (subframe mts, diff mts, etc) are suspects as well. 10K is, in my opinion, on the steep side if these items have not been addressed.

Mine makes a little noise when at a standstill and moving the wheel, but I think a small amount of noise under these conditions is normal. I have a newish filter and it's full of new fluid.

You did "burp" it, right? (cap off, lock to lock right left a few times)?

I am not sure that mechanic "burp" it when he changed the filter. Anyway I will do it myself.

Thanks.

Might be the wrong fluid. Changed my 1980 300D and used ATF fluid. Made a groaning noise after that. Drained it out and used a dedicated power steering fluid and no more noise.