W124 E420 Steering Box Seal Kit

[rmasteller]

Hello,

I was at the dealer today for the scheduled maintenance (97,500 miles) on my 1994 E420. Last week the steering started to groan when the car was first started in the morning, but not once warmed up or during the rest of the day. I asked that they check it out. I had previously had a refurb power steering pump installed under Starmark, but of course the Starmark expired in December.

They said the steering box was leaking and they could order a seal kit. The cost would be about $1,000 and would include:

- Seal kit (#124 460 7901)
- 8 hours labor
- Front end alignment

Does this sound reasonable? I think it sounds expensive, but after searching the web it looks like it might be a dirty job getting the box in/out of the car, and depending on the seal kit, it could be some work to get the seals done.

Here's some links for reference:

420 steering gearbox

92 400E steering

Need Leaking Steering Box Help needed

'86 300E - Need Quick Help with Steering Gearbox Problem

Leaking Steering Box

Leaky Steering Gear Box 86 300e

http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=4078&highlight=steering+seal+kit

I have not looked under the car at the box to check the extent or location of the leak. I plan to do that this weekend. I also plan to monitor the fluid level on a daily basis.

Any suggestions?