Well,
As a few of you might remember, power steering fluid is being pumped onto the ground from my car. I was hoping that it was a hose, but... it's not. It's the steering box leaking from the side closest to the firewall. I called a good mechanic who knows Jaguar's very well, but not mercedes so well. He's honest though, so that goes a long way! He said the box would have to be replaced - $750! Plus 3 hours to remove and reinstall. I called the dealership (40 miles away) they said that they can sometimes be sealed. What are the realities of this? Sound feesible? I'm not even going to try to do this job myself... I don't have the facilities. (no garage and it's raining!) Can I drive the car as is for 40 miles? There is NO fluid in this thing. Any advice would be appreciated. This job is going to be expensive I fear...

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Kyle De Priest
2007 e320 Bluetec
2013 GLK 250 Bluetec

Steering box leakage was a common problem. I have my resealed a few years back. Have not have a problem since. I was charged 6 hours labor and about $50 parts (seal kit, filter, and fluid). Make sure you have a Benz experienced person for the job.

Before spending money to reseal your old steering box, first check the amount of free-play in your steering. If it exceeds 25mm at the steering wheel, the box is probably worn and worthy of replacement.

Replacing my front and rear links, rods, bushings and dampers improved handling only marginally. It took a new steering box to really make the difference in regaining the handling confidence/sureness that's so characteristic of this design. In short, the steering box is a critical component in this model's handling -- and after 15 years of average mileage you can expect some wear, which should be checked.

Fyi, I paid less than $1,000 Cdn ($650 US) for an MB rebuild installed by my independent (not that much more than a resealing job).

Barrie
'86 300E

I am stoked! I just got back from the dealership where they fixed my leaking power steering box. Barrie, I got your thread after I took it to them... Anyway, no biggie though, because the whole operation only cost me $267.00 US out the door! They charged me less than 3 hours of labour = $208 and then the difference for a new gasket set, some brake clean, a P/S filter and new P/S fluid. Plus, to make matters even better, the car handles better than it ever has (since I've owned it... 14 months and 24 thousand miles.) It is tight! (I mean the steering is tight, not the street slang) It's like driving a different car! Tonight I'm going to take it on the freeway. I am anxious to see how it does.
Thanks again for the advice.

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Kyle De Priest
2007 e320 Bluetec
2013 GLK 250 Bluetec

I'm taking my 380SE for service next week. I have sloppy steering as well, with a basically new front suspension. I don't have any leaks, but should I have them check the seal before I go for a rebuild? The car has 95K, so I don't know if it needs an adjustment or a rebuild. What would the rebuild run at an independent shop?

Steering box refurb!
Are you telling me Kyle that they exchanged your old steering box for a rebuilt unit at the price of the seal kit (plus a reasonable R&R)?




[Edited by barrie on 12-17-2000 at 09:27 PM]

Barrie,
No, they didn't replace the steering box at all, they removed it, resealed it and replaced it. Can it be adjusted? I'm not super familiar with these. I don't know what kind of magic they used on it but it is totally tight. There is practically NO play in this wheel. My car only has 88 thousand miles on the clock, so it shouldn't be too sloppy.
Jackmac, if your steering box was leaking, you'd know it. Mine was leaking all over the ground and the resevoir was dry. Plus it was very hard to steer. The Steering box is definately something to look into. I am very happy with the results, and the price was not bad either. I don't even have to return my wifes Christmas present... She'll be happy too!

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Kyle De Priest
2007 e320 Bluetec
2013 GLK 250 Bluetec