I noticed recently whilst checking the power steering fluid that i had a small leak from the metal pipe that connects to the bottom of the pump. I tightened the clamp at the join where the leak was (it was about 1/2 turn loose). since then i've noticed a groaning noise when steering tightly (turning into parking bays, out of my driveway etc). The fluid level is fine and hasn't leaked at all since i tightened the clamp. any ideas what this could be?

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1993 320TE M104
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past:

1983 230E W123 M102
1994 E300D S124 OM606 (x2)
1967 250SE W108 M129
1972 280se 3.5 W108 M116
1980 280SE W116 M110
1980 350SE W116 M116
1992 300E W124 M103
1994 E280 W124 M104
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"music and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business" -Pepys

I experienced a similar noise on my 126. You might have air in the ps system. My 2 cents.

You may wish to bleed the system. Some have recommended pulling the return line and pouring fresh fluid in from the top while letting the old drain out the return line. I'm a little snake bit there as I played hell once getting that line reconnected. Others may not have experienced that problem.

You could simply siphon out the top with a turkey baster, replace the ps filer, then refill. Some say to turn the steering wheel from side to side to bleed. One of my asian vehicle shop manuals says to elevate the front a bit so as to get the front wheels off the ground. You just need enough so that the wheels may be turned.
I used this approach on the MB last time I changed psfluid/filter and the groaning seemed to go away.

Mike outlines the correct way to flush your power steering fluid. It can be done in about fifteen minutes and will require about three quarts of Power Steering Fluid from the auto supply.

Flush two of the quarts through the system while an assistant is turning the wheel lock to lock. Use a large drain pan underneath and lower the return line down as low as you can into the pan to prevent making a mess on the shop floor. Then hook the return line back to the pump and fill the system. It should take about a quart to refill after this operation. It wouldn't hurt to buy an extra quart.

This is not a home brew method. It is the accepted method for flushing and changing the PS fluid, and changes it all. This is actually a question on the ASE test.

Simply siphoning out and replacing the fluid in the reservoir replaces less than half the volume of the system. It's like washing your feet then putting on dirty socks.

Merry Christmas,