just picked up car from local dealership for lifter maintenance - 97 E420 with 90M on it - was told there was groaning coming from power steering - their suggestion - a complete rebuild of steering components ("rack") to the tune of $2300. Does this sound correct??

I did not think Mercedes started using rack and pinion steering until the W203 came out. And also the W211 E-Class. I thought they still used the old recirc ball til just a few years ago!

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

Time flies... first rack 1996 210 chassis.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I just replaced the rack on my Acura Legend, because I got it for free . The dealer wanted $1600 Canadian, but if you go aftermarket you should be able to get it for 1/4 of that price. I love the new one that I have. It works so great. There is a huge difference in so many respects. Here is the link to the one I have:

http://www.fencoparts.com/index2.htm

Good Luck!

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Thank you much sir. For some reason I thought the W203 had the first rack! I sit and post corrected!

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

Are you low and power steering fluid .which would point to a leak somewhere
in the system?? Or can you hear more like a squeeling/rubber type noise from the firewall area /l/front underdash which would indicate a dry steering column boot .
There is also a modification available for a groaning type noise from the steering control head when turning ,depends on serial number of vehicle.

This is why they're nicknamed "stealerships". Any time you hear "rebuild everything for many thousands $" put both hands on your wallet and run away. Quickly.

Zero diagnosis, replace many parts. For all they know, the groaning could be coming from the radio.

Just re-read your post. Do YOU hear this groaning? They may just smell money.

Think adjustments first. Think maybe ball joints IF you can isolate the groan. Think listening for the noise while you're under the car and find it before throwing many, many $ down a rathole.

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

I'm getting a groaning on my certified c230 as well, and they claimed they topped off the fluid. The fluid was not low, and the groan is still there. Maybe they are avoiding costly steering repairs?

Many times the "groaning" on the later P/S systems can be reduced with BG power steering treatment. I know that 75% of the time it will reduce OR erase the noise.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

A plugged PS filter will also cause a groan. Problem is there is no replacable filter on that system. There might be one inside the pump reservoir though. If thats it I don't know how to handle it.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician