Aftermarket Power Steering Filters
 

I have recently been seeing aftermarket power steering filter kits. Magnefine Power Steering Filters (around $30). Saw it in an IPD catalog http://www.ipdusa.com/main.cfm?CFID=746410&CFTOKEN=35594376

I'm not sure if the are installed on the low or high side line, but I suspect they are installed on the low side line. They also appear to recommend driving the first one for xxxx miles and then replace it with a new one. It leads one to believe that the first one has a shorter life because it catches everything that has built up over the years.

Power steering failures don't seem to be a hot topic for MBs. I don't see power steering fluid changes in my maintenance manuals. When power steering units do fail, MBs and rack and pinion (e.g. Volvo 200s), what are the top couple of culprits? Ones that come to mind for this inexperienced soul are: pump cavitation due to fluid loss, improper fluid, contamination during refill......

Any thoughts anyone (pros and non-pros alike)?

I have a few thoughts. First off there is a filter integrated into the MB power steering pumps($12). It should be changed but I am not sure what the recommended interval is. I have overhauled 3 pumps and 3 steering gears in the last two months. All of them had about 180k miles. From my observations there was a lot of junk that seemed to accumulate in the steering box. It took a lot of flushing to get it all out. Then after I refilled the system and started the car there was a blast of dark colored oil from the return lines. This was after a complete overhaul and cleanout of the system including new hydraulic return lines.

In conclusion, it seems to me that much of the crud accumulates in areas that dont see enough flow to keep the dirt suspended so adding a second filter probably will not do much. ALso a good oil change will probably accomplish the best one can do to get the system clean. And also the oil breaks down over time and turns dark regardless of how much filtering is done. So just replace the fluid and filter from time to time and it will probably outlive you.

Just my thoughts.

Dave,

The MB filter you are referring to. Is it production, post production or just in certain models? In looking through my manuals (owner's and service), I can't find a reference to it.

Thanks!

your post reminded me that I have never once checked my power steering pump. so I did. after 24 years of use it looks full, clean and almost like new. what a car.

Peter,

Of course, now it will break:D :rolleyes: