W210 Power Steering Stiff when Cold

[Car Nut]

It has been bitterly cold this week in northeast. My 1999 E430 Sport steering is a little stiff in the morning, but it losen up after the engine warms up. Is there somthing wrong?

[benzfan]

I wouldn't worry until it doesn't loosen up anymore. My older car does it, my newer one doesn't. My mid 80s SAAB Turbo with a GM power steering system was the worst offender I have ever seen, right from new. Until something stops working or starts leaking or squealing, don't sweat it.

[Hatterasguy]

Everying on my car is a little stiff when it is 0 out. I have new MB fluid in the power steering system, it is thin and probably helps. But my steering is still a little stiff for a bit.

[stevebfl]

If your car has more than 60k on it, I would suggest replacing the P/S reservoir. It is about $25 and contains a non replacable filter. For years MBs had the P/S filter a replacement item on 30k services. The new arrangement starts causing problems after 100k. Even if it isn't your problem it is a strain on a relatively fragile pump (by previous standards) to not do it as a maintenance proceedure.

[briandownunda]

Hi Steve,

For some reason I couldn't find the power steering reservoir on EPC net....any chance you could give me the part number for that?

Thanks in advance!

Brian

[latief]

The post is from 2005

[briandownunda]

Yes, I saw that, thanks.....hoping to find someone who can provide me with a part# as I don't see it anywhere, unfortunately.

[latief]

for which car are you looking ?

[briandownunda]

Hi,

I am looking for a PS pump reservoir for the same exact car as in the thread..1996 E300D...W210...sorry about that. I see that on several auto parts sites, including this one, there is a reference to PS pump filters for this car, however, they do not exist, to my knowledge..per the description in this thread, apparently MBZ decided to integrate the filter with the reservoir, thus requiring its replacment to change the filter

Thanks!

[briandownunda]

oops my bad, i had been looking at so many threads...this one, apparently references an E430...sorry about that

[latief]

I think on your car, the filter is part of the reservoir....I don't but buy looking at part stores, they do not offer a filter

most importantly, what problems do you have with your power steering?

When my power steering felt rough, turned out to be my serpentine belt slipping due to a faulty tensioner...

good luck