Hello,

My 1971 250C (114) has started groaning VERY annoyingly on low speed right turns. If I keep the RPMs up say 1500-2000 or better it won’t start making noise and at road speeds there is no problem. It is much quieter on left turns. So far I’ve replaced the belt and checked the fluid level and condition. I assume it’s not the pump as it is always turning the same direction but I fear that the steering gear is going to be expensive.
Any ideas on what to check next or am I looking at a new or rebuilt box? If rebuilt, where from?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120

There should be ATF in the PS reservoir. Does your PS fluid get foamy? I've seen where a weak PS pump seal may allow air into the system causing moaning noises. Pump re-seal kits are still availible and much cheaper than a new pump or steering box. Check and make sure your tire pressures are OK.
Check the steering box mounting bolts too and make sure they're all there and tight.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

What usually works:

- raise front wheels off the ground
- remove cover from resevoir, top off fluid if needed
- start the engine and slowly turn the wheel from full left-right several times. You should see some air bubbles in the resevoir. If the fluid level drops, top it up. Continue until no more bubbles.
- replace cover.

If this doesn't do it, there is a bleeder fitting on the steering box. You connect a hose to it, and run the end into the resevoir. With the engine idling and the wheels raised, crack the fitting and watch the fluid coming of the hose. When the bubbles stop, close the fitting. Turn the wheel full left and right a couple of times. Bleed again. Repeat until no more air comes out of the hose.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Thank you for the replies.

I’ll give bleeding the air a try as soon as I figure out why it’s suddenly losing coolant like crazy at the rear of the engine. Probably a heater hose but it annoyed me enough to just park it for now.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120