1993 300SD - 165,000 miles

This has happened 3 times over the last 3 weeks.

When the temperature gets up to 90 degrees or so
my steering 'moans' at low speeds when I make a
turn. It is fine the next day and it is not
consistent.

I don't appear to be losing fluid.

Any suggestions for diagnosis?

Thanks,

-Ralph

__________________
Ralph Burnette
1993 300SD (286k + miles)
2000 SL500
2001 ML320

Ralph,

I have the same problem. Yes, the power steering fluid is okay. I was told that it might be my power steering pump turning porous. They had resealed it a couple of times. If you find out something let me know. Bye the way I have a 92 400E 117,500 miles.

Matt

Power steering pump turning porous? What does
that mean? Does the resealing do any good?
Did you have a dealer look at it?

BTW, a new power steering pump is about $1,000.

Hopefully, someone with experience and expertise
in this area can give us some good answers.

My car is going in to the dealer on Monday for
transmission service and a front-end inspection
and front-end alignment. I have had a couple of
wierd noises from the undercarriage. Maybe there
is something associated. If I find out, I will
post what I find out.

-Ralph
1993 300SD
165,000 miles

__________________
Ralph Burnette
1993 300SD (286k + miles)
2000 SL500
2001 ML320

When I had my power steering pump resealed there were no leaks but the dealer says when these pumps get older (mine is 9 years old) They may have tiny holes not visible to the naked eye and that can be why the power steering fluid level drops. I'm going to have my pump checked at during my 120 K service.

I double-checked the PS fluid level yesterday when
I was outside and see everything clearly. I am a
little low on PS fluid.

I bought fluid today when I picked up my car at the
dealer. I will bring it up to spec and see what
happens.

__________________
Ralph Burnette
1993 300SD (286k + miles)
2000 SL500
2001 ML320

I have this sound too. It doesnt come on all the time - just when its hot from too much running. My colleague test drove the W126 - he's an expert in all this kinda things, and said its **definitely** the steering box.

So - I shall be replacing the steering box in due course (when I have the time), and then I shall have an absolutely perfect 300SE which I intend to sell and maybe drive away with a C200. I'm tired of driving a huge German yatch sporting Made-In-Czech-Republic-Bosch headlights around a small town.

Or maybe, a Bimmer 318i might just do fine.

Is this mid-life crisis?

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Ymsin

Thanks for the info. I will have my mechanic check out the steering box. I really love my benz and I hope it doesn't cost me an arm or leg