RE: My 1986 300E --
Everything was in top shape until this morning when I backed out of my garage and noticed a trail of oil. By the time I went a block my steering became very difficult and I realized I had a power steering leak. I checked under the car and noticed that the leak is somewhere in the steering rack area. My question is --can the car be driven for now without fluid in the power steering system without causing further damage?

Put the car up on the hoist at a local service center --- filled up the power steering pump - started the car and watched the fluid run (not drip) out of the top of the steering box where the steering wheel shaft enters. The mechanic told me that he knows nothing about Mercedes steering systems and wouldn't know where to begin. Does the steering fluid run through the steering box or is there something above that is running onto the shaft making it appear that fluid is leaking from it?

Does anybody know what's involved to replace the seals in the steering gear box?????

I checked the car again and the leak is definitely at the steering box where the shaft enters - is there a break in the shaft or does the steering column have to be pulled back in order to replace the seal?
Tino

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1986 300E

Yeah, you can drive it, just be prepared to replace the PS pump, among other things. That is, if you have survived an accident by not being able to stir properly.

Just park the car and get it fixed. It is a safety issue for you and people around you!

Cheers

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joel

Prayers bring forth enlightenment.

Tino,

Please post and let us know the source of the leak.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

The pump area is dry, I will crawl underneath and inspect on the weekend. There was absolutely no warning or even a hint of a leak before this. I suspect that it must be a hose.
Thanks,

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1986 300E

I have a very small power steering leak and check the fluid every so often, never ever drive it without the proper amount of fluid in it. Carry an extra bottle in the trunk.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

. . . and obsesses neurotically over every grease spot she parks Maxine over. Hee, hee, hee! Sorry, Mistress, I just couldn't resist that.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

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