w210 E300 losing power steering oil - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MB300D81 · #1 04-06-2011, 07:26 AM

Fine people,

My wife drives our w210 97 E300

I am recently hearing my wife complaining from a noise that comes while turning the car in round abouts.

I checked the steering oil and found it very low. Toping it up did not last for more than 3 - 4 weeks.

I do not see any leaks and not sure where to check.

Can any one share the experience or knowledge please?

Cheers

DAR2KMR2 · #2 04-07-2011, 03:41 AM

The fluid has to be going somewhere. I would closely check the moulded rubber fluid return hose on the back side of the steering pump. With the age and mileage of your car it likely has small cracks and is slowly leaking fluid ... if the hose is moist I would replace it. It's about a $15 hose that has to come from Germany. I had a slow leak in each of my W210 cars that I cured by replacing that hose. It's also my understanding that it is important to use MBZ powersteering fluid since it has certain additives the components of the system need for longevity. If you don't see any fluid or drips being retained in the antinoise pannel under the vehicle ..... then it is possible for the seals inside the steering rack to have failed and the leaking fluid to be retained in the rubber boots. You can gently squeeze the boots and if they are mushy with fluid .... you have found the problem. If that is the case, it will only be a matter of time before the boots fail and the fluid leaks out. Let's hope its just the simple return hose leaking down into the antinoise pannel, becasue a new or rebuilt steering rack is fairly expensive.

David Roseman
Long Beach, Ca

MB300D81 · #3 04-07-2011, 07:28 AM

David,

Thanks for your reply.

I checked the return hose. It was actually covered in oil half way to the bottom of it.

However, I am not sure if it is cracked or not.

I washed it down with degreaser and dried it clean.

Also I found that the top hose clamp was not tight and I could turn it around by hand so this could be a reason for a slow leak too.

For now I tightened the clamp and cleaned the hose and will look at it tomorrow when the car is driven all day.

I hope I am going in the right track with this.

Got couple of other related questions though ...

When I turn the steering to full lock either way, I hear a hess. Is that normal?

I often get the steering to full lock when doing a three points turn. Would that cause any damage?

Thank you again for your reply. I will report back.

Regards

vstech · #4 04-07-2011, 08:22 AM

the hiss is the pump pressurizing the system with noplace for the pressure to go. I'd back off a bit in the 3 point turns. it will attribute to the failed hose, AND the leak!

MB300D81 · #5 04-08-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the hiss is the pump pressurizing the system with noplace for the pressure to go. I'd back off a bit in the 3 point turns. it will attribute to the failed hose, AND the leak!

Thanks John,

I often felt unhappy about that hiss and told my wife to back off.
You confirmed my doubts. Thanks

On the other hand I checked the hose today after the car was driven all day.

Seems like there is no leak anymore and the hose clamp was not tight letting the oil to leak out.

I wish all problems are that simple.

Thanks for all your replies. You guys rock.

Cheers