I was just checking the oil level in my 124 diesel, when I nticed the rubber hose that runs from the power steering resivoir to the pump, is moist. It is not dripping and there are no spots underneath the hose. The two metal hoses that connect on either end of the rubber hose are bone dry. Is this just a case of a dry rotted hose, seeping from the inside out? The car has 170K on it.
In addition I checked the owners manual for the proper procedure of checking the PS fluid or any information for that fact on the PS, but I came up empty handed, excep that I need to use MBZ fluid.
What are your thoughts?

CJ, if this is the return line and not the pressure line, I discussed this in the "Vintage" section titled "handy little tip".

After time, the hose begins to break down and seep out fluid, sort of like a sponge. The return line is not under much pressure, and is likely held on to the metal pipes with hose clamps. The local parts house (AutoZone, Pep Boys etc) should have suitable hose to use as a replacement. DO NOT use heater hose as it is not designed to withstand pertolium products. I used crankcase ventilation hose. It's been several hundred miles since I repaired the hose, and not one bit of fluid has seeped through.

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I just re-read the start of your post. This sounds like a low pressure line, since the fluid is being drawn to the pump. In that case the crankcase ventilation hose should work, provided your existing hose is held in place by hose clamps.

[Edited by MikeTangas on 12-04-2000 at 10:41 AM]

What is the proper way to check/fil the fluid. I know you do lock to lock with the enghine running.

Turning the wheel lock to lock with the engine running only helps purge air from the system, it is much better and cleaner (neater) to bleed using the bleeder valve and a length of hose. Loosen the valve, attach the hose and run to the resevoir. Let the engine idle, do not turn the wheel, and watch until the fluid runs clear and free of air bubbles.

To check/top off the fluid, all you need to do is take the top off the resevoir and check that the fluid level is up to the full mark. If it isn't, then top off with power steering fluid.

If the resevoir is nearly empty, then you will more than likely have to purge the system of air.

I went to the local german import parts shop and they said that my car should NOT use power steering fluid, it will ruin the system. They did sell me a bottle of very expensive Bilstein Hydraulic Fluid, written in all german. I this the correct fluid, I trust this shop, but I always like to hear what my friends on the site have to say.

I changed mine with transmission fluid, since that is what it was recommended in the older cars. While you at it, change the PS filter which is at the bottom of the PS reservoir. It has been a couple of years since, with no ill effects.

I am picking up the filter in the morning. After all, who wants a wet hose, ykkkk

CJ, now for the big question - were you able to repair the leaking hose?

When I did mine, it oozed steering fluid on the garage floor, where I left it lay overnight. The old hose held quite a bit of fluid and left a good sized puddle. It is probably still oozing at the dump.

I just got done with putting on the new hose. It was not bad at all, just kind of messy. I drained the resevoir, but when I tried to pull the old hose up and out, I felt like I was trying to balance a glass of warm jello on my head. I ended up spilling the old fluid all of the engine bay, but luckily I put down newspapers first. I put new fluid in, did some lock-to-locks and then topped off. After a few minutes I was feeling motivated, so I then drained the resevoir again and then topped it off with fresh fluid. This was done a couple of times, and the fluid definately looks cleaner.
I guess we shall see if 'Old Smikey stays dry.
Thanks for everyone's help!!!!
CJ

PS-I am not really nsame CJ, that is my cat's name.
:)