2003 C240 87k Miles, new addition to our garage, mainly parked for the last 3 years.

New to MB, not to wrenches under the tree. Looking to replace a whining PS pump. I am wondering what else should I get together with this?

When you start the car you can hear it whining for sure. The whining doesn't change in volume consistency or in any way at all. Shop said it was it - during a PPI (but looking back they missed a few things and I am not sure that I can trust their word.) I would like to establish that it is the PSP that's the issue. So how do I confirm that it is PSP that's whining?

What is a good brand to get? Should I get it with or without a reservoir, pulley?

Open the reservoir cap and see the fluid with engine running, if its like a whirlpool in there, the reservoir filter is broken - the turbulence of the fluid is causing this noise.

replacing the reservoir tank will fix this.

mostly the failing part on this system is the lathe cut O ring that seals the tank to the pump. If that leaks the result is usually noise as the fluid is aerated as its being pulled into the pump.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

This is an engine driven pump right? If so, the noise should be changing with engine RPM and you should be able to change the "groan" by moving the steering wheel back and forth. If it doesn't change with engine RPM, it isn't the P/S pump...

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Does the whine persist if you momentarily run the engine without the serpentine belt?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

There's no churning, it is just quiet in the reservoir.
A poked around with a stethoscope and the only place I could hear he distinct sound was after touching the back of the p/s pump. Is it possible for the unit to go bad while in the reservoir the fluid acts normal, w/o whirlpool effect? On the other hand I am new to MB, a diy weekend wrencher and I just acquired a steth. So I am getting familiar with it. How do I check spinning units such as pulleys, etc?

The whining sound is more noticeable after a cold start, eases some after the car warms up, it doesn't go away oh no, it's there and noticeable. It only changes slightly when u turn the steering wheel, but it's still noticeable present. What else can I do to establish the source?

I haven't removed the s/belt. Is this a sure way of establishing the source is psp? I can do this on Sunday.

I also noticed a ticking sound every so often that then goes away from the little unit circled below. Is this normal and what is this unit, what's it for?

You haven't answered the most important question asked: Does the noise change when you rev the engine? If it doesn't, it ain't the P/S pump.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

sounds like the pump has been dry run and also has been topped up with generic power steering fluid.

I believe the correct one is CHF11s or buy the prestone euro fluid, as I dont beleive the 203 model used ATF in the PS system like the W210 and earlier cars did.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

The pic you posted is the purge valve and yes, the ticking noise is normal unless it's obnoxiously loud.

As far as the noise, don't overlook the A/C compressor pulley as a possible source. Bearing failures aren't unheard of on compressors of that vintage and they sound very similar to the more common P/S noise.........

I dont see any picture.

but x2 on the compressor. on my late W210 the ac compressor pulley was noisy when I bought it, it made the exact noise of a PS pump.

stethescope tracked it down.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

My fault - No it does not change reved up.

So the correct way would be to empty as much of it as possible? Is there a way to drain it or I just have to use a baster and suck as much of it as I can?
Would Lubrizol PS Fluid additive be helpful or that's a no no?

I will target the compressor. If that is going out besides the noise if that is indeed the source, are there other signs that would point to this?


OIL LEAK
A couple of minutes after you start the car you can smell burning oil and see some fumes that are wafting from pointed arrow. After a short while it all stops. There's gunked oil - see pics below - and some below plug 2 area, possibly number 3 as well (I will take a closer look and pics tonight.) I thought this leakage was from the breather cover which was fresh wet oil but I am not so sure now. Looking at these pics where do you think the source of leakage is? Could it be engine block and where from (for the manifold area burn?)

Im sorry but I cannot see any pictures in this thread.

anyway - you mention that it does not change pitch when revved up, you can comfortably leave out the PS pump from the noise cause.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

Not sure why you are unable to see the pics. I have posted the link.

Any comments on my above question?
UPDATE : I removed the serpentine belt and for sure belt tensioner pulley is the culprit. Below are the noises - short ut vid - starting with compressor, tensioner, pulley then PS Pump. AC Compressor seems to have a slight maybe half a mm to a mm back/forward play.
Pic
https://s19.postimg.org/vrvhgjg03/Inked20180125_204306_344_LI.jpg

Vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Bgure89rQ&feature=youtu.be