I own a 95 E300 Diesel with 51,000 miles on the clock. This car is a 124.606.

I've notice lately that at low speed, for instance while parallel parking, say, the steering becomes very hard. IOW, trying to turn the wheel is very difficult, like I've lost the "power steering." Any ideas here?

Do you hear a groaning noise while turning the wheel? Also, have you checked the PS fluid level?

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

There is no abnormal noise when turning the wheel or otherwise. And yes.... the first thing I did was to check the PS fluid. It was between the minimum and maximum marks, i.e. okay. I've been keeping a watch on it frequently.

Is the power steering/serpentine belt properly tensioned?

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
-------------------------------------
'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

Good thought... I'll check it tomorrow on the weekend. At least I presume it has such a belt. Well, I know there is one main (serpentine) belt. Anyway........... thanx...

How does it steer around slow corners like in a city? I once had a Datsun P/U as a youngster and it was very stiff. One night when I was hot rodding in the dirt at an old airport chasing armadillos, I blew out the rear end. Only after repalcing it with a junkyard unit and it drove like a Caddy did I realize the rearend was trying to tell me something!

I bet Larry Bible would get a kick out of this story!