My 2003 E320 Wagon is low on hydraulic power steering fluid (the tank beside the windshield washer fluid tank,on the driver's side). I see the proper fluid is Fuchs Titan,#001 989 20 03. To bring it up over the "min" line,can I simply add to what's there or should I drain,flush and refill?? I'm hoping to just add fluid to what is already there. Any advice?? Thanks.

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2001 E320 4matic, 2003 E320 4matic wagon

If the fluid is low it must have gone somewhere, I suspect one of your accumulators for the load leveling has developed an internal leak. The load leveling and steering share the same fluid.

Get it on a lift and inspect in the area of the rack for leaks. Seems that the o-rings that are used where the hoses connect to the rack go bad after a period of time. There is an o-ring kit available for the application. With that said I have spoken with a few folks that have used pwr strg fluid with stop leak and it did stop the leakage.

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Jim

Thanks for the quick replies! Funny,I became aware of this possible leak not because of any bounciness or clunking noises from the rear end. I was just checking windshield washer tank and checked the tank beside it....didn't even know what the tank was for!

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2001 E320 4matic, 2003 E320 4matic wagon

Is it the power steering system that is leaking or the suspension self leveling?

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Jim

My indie will be checking it tomorrow. Strange that UNLIKE the fuel,oil,brakes and even windshield washer fluid,hydraulic fluid does NOT have a dashboard alert. Checked with local Benz dealer today....they want.....sit down,now....$44.95 for a quart of the fluid!!!

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2001 E320 4matic, 2003 E320 4matic wagon