W210 Steering Rack leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

twotone-gent · #1 05-21-2021, 10:05 AM

Original rack was leaking out the driver side boot. Got a replacement that was a reman unit. Installed and of course needing an alignment. After the first test drive, I noticed a decent amount of fluid on the garage floor under the gear box. After wiping down the gear box, started the engine. A slow leak began from one or two small holes that have a wire halfway across near where the pinion shaft goes in. Is this some kind of pressure release? Fluid was topped off but by no means too full. It isn't squirting out, just a steady drip, maybe one drop per 30 seconds or so.

Zulfiqar · #2 05-21-2021, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twotone-gent

Original rack was leaking out the driver side boot. Got a replacement that was a reman unit. Installed and of course needing an alignment. After the first test drive, I noticed a decent amount of fluid on the garage floor under the gear box. After wiping down the gear box, started the engine. A slow leak began from one or two small holes that have a wire halfway across near where the pinion shaft goes in. Is this some kind of pressure release? Fluid was topped off but by no means too full. It isn't squirting out, just a steady drip, maybe one drop per 30 seconds or so.

What you describe is a leak from the steering pinion valve body, you need to send that rack back to where you purchased it from, Its a bad or defective reman job.

rmasteller · #3 07-19-2022, 11:20 AM

I have had a power steering leak for some time. I fixed one hose near the reservoir a couple years ago and that slowed it down, but now it has gotten worse again. Much worse! Found the leak is from driver's side where boot covers rack going in/out. Boot was shot, large end disconnected. OP in this thread had same symptom, and I found another thread with exact same system, and both forum members replaced the rack. Is a new rack the only resolution? Can I repair/rebuild the seals at the ends of the rack? I do not have variable assist.
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porkface · #4 07-19-2022, 07:26 PM

nothing else to do besides replace the rack.

rmasteller · #5 07-25-2022, 04:48 PM

Found a rack at a recycle yard (30 day warranty) and also ordered a seal kit for the lines and 4 mounts. I'll let you all know how it goes.

For anyone looking for W210 steering racks, option code 213 on your VIN is for speed sensitive steering (adaptive steering?). I believe this was optional the first few years, and standard by the end of the W210 run. Anyway, make sure you get the right rack for your car.