Not as familiar with the 124 as the 126, but if you have the "false firewall" it is possible that you could also have a failed heater hose, Aux pump, or monovalve leaking coolant. If so, it'll drip down on top of the transmission and could certainly end up near the steering components.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]