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  #1  
Old 06-18-2004, 03:54 PM
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Location: New York
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280SE 4.5 power steering problem!!!!

Hey guys, I've got a 1973 280SE 4.5 with 70,000 miles. The power steering seems to be diminishing rather rapidly recently. I've noticed the lines from the pump are leaking through the hose material, but my symptoms are much more severe. Even with a full resevoir, there is no power assist. Could this be simply from air in the system, or do you think it may be a more serious problem such as a pump failure? Thanks alot, I appreciate any help.

Aaron

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  #2  
Old 06-18-2004, 07:46 PM
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im gonna look into it tonight, any ideas?
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Old 06-19-2004, 10:26 AM
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anyone?
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Old 06-20-2004, 11:26 AM
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Does it moan and groan? Or did it before quiting?

The early steering box will accumulate air that can't be bleed like later units. Those only require stop to stop turning a couple times.

Your 4.5 has a bleeder on the steering box available from the top. I use a 11mm on a long extention and crack it loose. I watch the bleeder and the reservoir. If your problem is air you will probably use up the whole resrvoir of fluid before fluid comes from the bleeder.

Once fluid comes from the bleeder, close it and start the car and turn stop to stop. Let is sit a few minutes with the engine off and do the bleeding again.

If you really wish to do a good job take a piece of rubber vacuum line with about 3-4feet of hard vacuum door lock plastic line. Couple the hard line to the bleeder with the rubber section. Open the bleeder and start the engine DON"T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. Place the other end of the hard plastic line into the reservoir and watch the bubbles. Once the bubbles are gone close the bleeder.

Fix the hoses first and replace the filter in the reservoir. Plugged filters and porous lines allow air to be sucked into the system.
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  #5  
Old 06-20-2004, 11:55 AM
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The fluid saturated return line can be replaced with new hose for little $$. Do a search for a thread titled "handy little tip", or something like that by me. I would also change the steering filter while you are working on the system. Follow Steve's bleeding instructions and let us know how things turn out.
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  #6  
Old 06-20-2004, 01:51 PM
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wow thatks alot guys for the response, I"ll try it and see what happens. Thanks!
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  #7  
Old 06-20-2004, 06:02 PM
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you guys are good. I bled the system today and did exactly what you said, and the problem is 100% fixed. Do you know I went to 2 mechanics before I posted here, and they both quoted me $800-900 for a new power steering pump?? Pays to know what you're talking about. Thanks alot guys, I cant tell you how much I appreciate your help.

Aaron

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