Power steering leak

[smithrjd]

I just noticed a power streeing leak from the gearbox on a 1971 250C. Not the pump, it is coming from the top of the steering gearbox. Not really sure what I need to fix this and how hard it would be. Looking in the parts lists it appears that I need a Steering gear seal kit. I do not have a manual that show a blowup of the steering gearbox. The seal kit has SEVERAL seals and gaskets. I am guessing that I have a bad seal on the main shaft at the top (all other cars it is always the bottom..) Has anyone been here and done that? Any help greatley appriciated.

Ron

[dpetryk]

Look at this aricle.

http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

[Mike D]

You might check the 13mm headed bolt on top of the gearbox. It has a copper sealing washer. I also thought I was going to have to re-seal my gear box. I tightened up the bolt and no more leaks. Give it a try, can't hurt.

[Blue 72 250]

I have not had a steering box problem myself, but the diagram should be of some help.



http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/Blue72W114/SteeringBox.jpg

[milterino]

I tried to download the pictures from "dpetryk's" web address and could only get the first 2 pictures to download. Does this have something to do with my download capacity or is it just me. First two pictures were great, wish I could get the rest. Milt.

[dpetryk]

There are about 90 photos in all. They are high resolution so it will take a while if you are on dialup. That may be the problem. I will rebuild the article with lower resolution photos and that should reduce the size and loading time. I have not received any feedback about the article. I can only asume that nobody is interested in it or that nobody else is having a problem. I would love to hear from anybody who has tried to view the article. I think that this site would like to have a copy of it in the DIY section. I have done a couple of these write ups and sometimes I wonder if it is worth the time.

[milterino]

It sounds likle a valueable source. I keep having gearbox problems. Am on my second junkyard box and it's starting to leak. Milt.

[milterino]

Well something has changed. Yesterday I could only download 2 pictures. Today I was able to download the first 15. The 15 are reallly great pictures. If a person could get the whole series it would be great. Thanks for your effort. Milt.

[dpetryk]

I'm not sure what to say. I am sorry you are having problems. A number of others have written to thank me for the information. No one else has had a problem that I know of. Try to load the PDF version of the article. Right click on the link and then "save link as" or whatever the proceedure in your browser is. It is about 6.5 megs so it might take some time depending on you internet connection. I ask again, are you using a dialup type connection?

I would think that the moderators of this forum would snag the article and place it in the DIY section. Then maybe access might be easier.


HTML version:
http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

PDF version;
http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.pdf

[milterino]

Dave, yes I am using a dial up connection. I will try to figure out what's going on. Once again that's a nice piece of work you did. M.

[ctaylor738]

I'll email the webmaster about the DIY - but no way will it make the download faster.

[milterino]

Dave: I don't know what happened but I left clicked on the HTML version and the PDF version and all the pictures came thru on either version. Great job, Milt.

[magnumrick]

I have a 1970 250C that had the same problem. It turned out to be the o-ring on the top round nut. You remove the acorn nut and lock nut. Accurately measure the length of the threaded shaft that is sticking out of the round nut. Then use a pin spanner and small wrench to back the round nut out of the steering box. You will find the o-ring on the side of the round nut. I replaced mine without to much trouble and it hasn't leaked since.

[magnumrick]

I forgot to mention that when you screw the round nut with the new o-ring back into the steering box make sure you use your measurement so you don't throwoff the steering box adjustment.

[dmtinker]

This seems like a great article. Does anyone know if this is kit would work for a w108? if not, does anyone have the P/N for the 108 kit if there is one?