Some info: 1999 E-320 (W210) with 66000 miles.

Question:
When I turn on the car a strange noise is made by the power steering system. The noise sounds like the purring a cat would make (Pbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!). It only happens once after turning on the car, lasts approximately one second, and does not happen every time (only after the car has been sitting for a while).
At first I thought it could be lack of Power Steering fluid, but the reservoir has got the right amount of Power Steering fluid. There are NO power steering fluid leaks and no steering abnormalities.
ANY IDEAS on what this could be??????????

yamil

Can anyone offer any input?

You might try tightening the power steering pumps belt. Down by the pump the belt can be tightened by loosening the bolts, slightly, and then readjusting it to factory specs. Im not sure, but something like 1/4 to 3/4 inch deflection. Probably somewhere in-between.

If you get a fluid on the belt and pulleys, and the belt isnt perfectly tight, then what you describe can be exactly what occurs. Easy fix. Can be a knuckle buster depending on the location of the power steering pump though.

Try tightening your belt and then hit that baby with a mild pressure wash to get rid of any oil, gook, etc.


Rob

Hey Rob, the vehicle in question has an automatic belt tensioner. It can't be tightened. Yamil78, is the P/S fluid at the correct level. Make sure it is before you do anything else. Also, have you had the car to an MB dealer? 210's are notorious for a variety of steering noises. Sometimes the column rubs the firewall boot/grommet(easy fix). Sometimes it's a pressure noise that requires replacement of the steering rack. In this case, the noise is usually worse in cold weather. I've seen both cases dozens of times.

Thanks for the inpuit guys. Here is my response:
- The P/S fluid level is not LOW. It is exactly where it should be.
- There is a belt spring loaded belt tensioner.
- I don't think the Steering column needs replacement because I have never felt any play when turning, never sensed any slack in the steering, never had any rattling in the column, etc...

Is it possible that this Purring noise is being made by the actual P/S pump?? Maybe I am confused here, but it seems to me that it happens as the P/S fluid starts to move around in the system.

yamil