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  #1  
Old 07-12-2005, 12:05 PM
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Location: Kittrell, NC
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Power steering failed-Is steering box at risk??

I have heard a metallic clanging noise for two days now. Started the 82 300sd up this morning and it was noticeably worse. I thought it was the AC compressor. It was not. It was the Power steering pump that I had rebuilt 6months ago. Turned car off to inspect in neighbors driveway. After he and I inspected and I started engine again, noise continuted for one minute and then pump failed and noise went silent. I immediately noticed no PS. Steering difficult. I drove back across the street into my driveway and cut car off.

Is my steering box at risk from metal shavings?

I have a pump I use to pump fluids out of car such as the oil. It will easily empty the resevior on PS pump but I am not sure it will empty the steering box. It is a manual pump that builds up vacuum and sucks the fluids out. We use it to change the oil on the Inboard Outboard motor in the boat. I have used it to change the oil in the Benz through the dip stick tube.

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2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup
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  #2  
Old 07-12-2005, 12:18 PM
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The best solution is to replace the pump first.

Then disconnect the return line from the steering box to the pump.

Get a helper and start the engine.

Fluid will pour out of the open return line, so have a bucket ready.

Add new fluid to the reservoir as fast as you can. While doing this, have the helper turn the steering wheel all the way to the stop on the left and then turn it all the way to the stop on the right.

This will flush all fluid in the box.

Stop the engine and check the fluid in the bucket. If you find any metal particles, repeat the above process for a second time.

Have quite a bit of fluid ready. I think I used three quarts in less than one minute.
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Old 07-12-2005, 01:17 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area No Calif.
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Brian, your recommendation is good, I hope the steering box wasn't plugged with metal bits.
I went thru an experience flushing my steering system once when fluid splashed all over, out of a bucket. It comes out with a lot of pressure when the wheel is turned and the engine running.
I suggest using a large plastic jug to catch the fluid. I used an empty 2.5 gal container that Amsoil comes in. Stick the hose stuck into the opening but not a tight fit.It won'be inclined to splash out that way.
This brings up rebuilds. I have been discussing this w/ others who had back luck with rebuilt steering boxes, pumps etc. Anything that can be rebuilt can be done right or wrong, and it seems the latter is more common these days. Even if there is a warranty on a rebuilt part like a steering pump or gearbox, the chances are that the replacement will also have problems. I am now a firm believer that only a good used or a OE new part is the best way to go! The savings on a rebuilt item like a power steering pump or steering box can be truly a curse!
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Old 07-12-2005, 02:17 PM
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What's wrong with rebuilding your own pump? They're pretty easy.

Power steering pumps are kind of a funny thing to rebuild. The main problem with them, other than front seal leaks, is wear of the cam pack or internal rollers, depending on the model. A production rebuilder will buy 100 cores (failed units), take them apart and assemble as many good ones from the pile of parts as they can.

For high volume sellers, Ford, Saginaw etc, after market cam packs are available. I doubt if they are for the Benz.

If the front seal leaks the seal can be replaced. It's probably nothing fancy, usually just a double lip seal, and a good bearing supply outfit can find it for you. Same for any O rings. If the shaft has a groove in it where the seal rides you have two choices, try to install the seal (or use one with a different wall height) so the seal rides on a different part of the shaft, or take the shaft to a place that repairs crankshafts. They can flash chrome it quite reasonably.

If you look you will probably find a good local rebuilder. Some will offer a warranty that includes removal and re-installation if the unit fails. They're the best.

These guys http://www.autosuppliers.co.uk/index.htm have distribution in the US and can get the parts you need.
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Last edited by Dropout; 07-12-2005 at 02:31 PM.
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Old 07-12-2005, 02:25 PM
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What kind of fluid should be used in the P/S system, for flushing and refill?
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Old 07-12-2005, 05:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by russb
What kind of fluid should be used in the P/S system, for flushing and refill?
Most of them use Dexron automatic transmission fluid.
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Old 07-12-2005, 05:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton
Most of them use Dexron automatic transmission fluid.
The problem with Dextron or any other transmission fluid is that it has detergents in it. Over the life of the car all kinds of guck, varnish, steel fragments and small pieces from the inside of the power steering hoses settle into the nooks and crannies of the system. Add a good detergent fluid and the settled material will breakup and move. 10 years of garbage through the new pump or gear within 2 weeks.

Better to use an inert power steering fluid.
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Old 07-12-2005, 09:12 PM
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Failed pump was rebuilt by me

I rebuilt the failed pump myself. I disassembled, cleaned, put in front seal on shaft, put in the two rubber O rings around the impeller and it worked fine for 6 months. I changed the fluid just like Brian said and used Febi-Bilstein fluid to put back. The failed rebuilt pump was one off of a salvage yard car.

I kept the original one off of my car. I had the rebuild parts and pump in my garage and took them to a local hydrolic shop today. It will be ready tomorrow.

I will not be sure what failed until I disassemble the failed pump.

I wonder if people have more failures with the Sperry-Vickers pump or the Zaharnfarbric pump?

Yes, rebuild yourself is simple, but something still failed. It sounded like metal on metal until the pump just quit. There are small metal fins that move in and out on the piston. Just not sure.

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