PS rack seals
 

I have a PS leak in my 98 ML 320 with 168k, and the mechanic says the outside rack seals are leaking. Says this is an all day job just to replace the seals (if he can-he's checking) because he has to like drop the whole front end. The mechanic claims to have worked on MLs frequently at a different shop.

Question: is this true, and is this common for this age vehicle? Could PS fluid be lost at that location?

Thanks in advance

Is it leaking at the plastic bellows that cover the inner tie rod? If that's the case couldn't it just be the o-ring behind there.

The tech did mention the seal on each end of the rack. Same thing or what? He should have showed me! I'll have him show me where the leaks are, and or get a 2nd opinion.

Its not that difficult to get the rack out if thats what is needed. The metal outside lines were common for leaks. If its leaking inside the boots on the ends, I believe you'll be needing a new rack- I dont think those seals are replaceable.

anyways to get the rack out:
remove front wheels
undo tie rod ends
undo upper control arms from knuckle
remove front axles
take off vent line for front diff.
remove diff
unbolt the rack and slide one way then out from the bottom

should take no more than an hour actual working time to get it out on a lift.

See if below instruction are of any help.

John,
So, an untrained, uncertified person like me can do this? Just reading this scares me! I will get a second opinion.

kevin

well.... you will have to be the judge of your own abilities. Lets put it this way, if I had one at home that needed this, I probabaly could do it... but wouldn't want to :cool: I'd opt for taking it in and using air tools and a lift.

I have the air tools, no lift and an unheated garage. So I have two against me.

Kevin

oh yeah...forgot about the heat part. that would be nice too :D

the rubber bellow serves as a dust/dirt cover, it does not prevent any leak. if your power steering fluid is leaking through there, you have bigger problem and will need a new rack for sure. further, to remove the bellow, you need to pull the outer tie rod end out. then you need to get an alignment done.

Got another appointment for a second opinion tomorrow. I surmised the cover was for dust. I'll see what new awaits me!!!

Thanks guys

The trusted inde says that the rack is shot. It's a ZF rack. Says it will cost about $1100, for rack ($595), outer and inner tie rods, alignment, fluid and flush.
May shave the cost if labor isn't as long as expected. Explained how the lines have to be disconnected, the the steering universal has to be disconnected and the time involved alignment, etc. Frightens me even more! I guess I can live with that. There goes my Dec Vacation money!!! Ooh... he says he could do just the seals, but he has to send the ZF unit to the ZF factory for that and, i'd still need the tie rods cause they're seized.

Save $100
 

$495 here: http://www.***************/search/product.aspx?sid=tpdj3n45ecqr0wqamer5jl55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1316423@ML320&year=1998&cid =@rack&gid=7388@Rack%20%26%20Pinion%20Complete%20Unit

He's probabaly right on the tie rods. Almost all of them seize and end up needing replacement when doing a rack.

Johnhef,

I've printed that page/link and will show him the savings I expect!!! Thanks

Just put 600 plus miles on the ML after the reman ZF was installed.(mini vacation) Fluid level still up there and no leaks.