PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Jeremy5848 · #11 11-15-2007, 08:34 PM

In February 2007, the PO complained to his mechanic that his (now my) '96 E300D was occasionally hard to steer at low engine speeds (i.e., parking lot maneuvers). The mechanic recommended replacing the power steering pump for $637.74 parts and labor. The PO chose to live with the problem and in that condition the car came to me. (Yes the PO mentioned it up front.)

I have confirmed the PO's complaint. Occasionally, not always, the steering gets "hard," just as if the pump had stopped making pressurized fluid. I checked the fluid -- it is at the correct level but seems to be very dark, an almost-black dark brown. With my handy turkey baster I sucked out as much fluid as I could (about 3/4 cup or 175 cc) and filtered it back into the pump through a coffee filter.

There was no crud or visible debris on the filter although it did turn dark from the fluid. New PS fluid is clear; I suspect that this stuff is original and simply "old" and discolored with age and heat.

There is nothing in the factory books about changing the fluid and no service records mention it even though the car has 248000 four-owner miles.

I plan to do a complete flush of the power steering system and then see what happens. It would be nice not to have to replace the pump if it isn't necessary. I also hope that it isn't the rack.

Jeremy