My dads W203 C240 recently developed strange steering problem: When he backs out his driveway and the steering wheel is set all the way to the right and he wants to move back it feels as if the power support is aall gone. You need quite some force to move the wheel back. Suddenly it works normal again. No problems when driving.
Any suggestions where to start looking are appreciated!!!!

Thank you

Reinhard

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E 240 2000
E 320 Coupe

Sounds like the proportioning valve is sticking inside of the rack.
I would try a fluid & reservoir change first.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
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44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

And that is special synthetic fluid in there. At least on my '98 it is. From Fuchs or Febi or the dealer. Check your manual. It is not too expensive though. Maybe 11.00 for a liter. More at the dealer probably.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Thanks for your advise. I will try fluid change asap and report back. Talked to a co that remanufatures steering racks. They also advise to check for leaks but believe nothing wrong with steering rack since problem only intermediate.

__________________
E 240 2000
E 320 Coupe

Problem solved: Dealer replaced steering rack (he offered a used rack) and steering pump. Dad is back safe on the road.
thanks for all your help!

Reinhard

__________________
E 240 2000
E 320 Coupe