4.5 steering box check - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joshhol · #1 03-31-2004, 10:26 PM

Maybe it's been covered before, but I don't know much about the steering box.
It is exposed now (the 4.5) with the head out and maybe I should check the fluid level or something. Maybe I should leave it alone, what I don't know wont hurt me!

How do you check the fluid level?
What's the proper fluid to add if it's low?

On a side note, I received the tensioner rail and one of the slide rails today. I am completely disgusted by it's plastisity.
The tension rail has an aluminum backing, why couldn't they have just put the rubber coating on? Don't get me started on the slide rail, it's color is that of a larve of some insect.

cth350 · #2 03-31-2004, 10:32 PM

The slide rails are a simple plastic, designed to shear when the chain snaps. I have cylinder head with a huge gouge in it from where the timing chain sliced off a section of the aluminum. There is something to be said for a part that knows how to get out of its own way without leaving shards of metal around to make things worse. -CTH

cth350 · #3 03-31-2004, 10:33 PM

The fluid in the resevoir is basic transmission fluid. There's a fill line there someplace. -CTH

joshhol · #4 03-31-2004, 11:11 PM

Perhaps I've been wrong to question the great MB engineers. I thought that main death to M117 was due to rail failure causing the chain to skip a tooth and shove valves.
Well, if this car is around in 100,000 miles, I'll eat that slide rail.
This ones hanging on for dear life, but is going to have a nice engine after all is said and done. I hope.

Now for the embarrassing question. On the steering box, which bolt do you remove, the nipple looking one or one of the other two large hex bolts, or the little nut next to the nipple?

Thanks CTH,
BTW I replied to the radiator options thread. Part number is there.

Tomguy · #5 04-01-2004, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cth350
The slide rails are a simple plastic, designed to shear when the chain snaps. I have cylinder head with a huge gouge in it from where the timing chain sliced off a section of the aluminum. There is something to be said for a part that knows how to get out of its own way without leaving shards of metal around to make things worse. -CTH

Give me 1 example of a timing chain snapping (and causing engine death) and I'll give you 10 of failed rails causing engine death

It's like cutting off your hand because you MIGHT have an infection in your pinky.

MikeTangas · #6 04-01-2004, 06:20 AM

Josh,

You are talking about the steering box on a power steering equiped 4.5, correct? The fluid is pumped through the box by the power steering box, fluid level is checked at the fluid resevoir, usually mounted on top of the power steering pump on the sedans (a remote mounted resevoir on the 107's I believe). There isn't a separate fluid check for the box itself.