W211 power steering leak, what could it be!
 

Great Mercedes forum, Ive had lots of good help here over the years.
Now my 2004 E320 has had a slow power steering leak, so I added fluid a couple times a month, no biggie. But then it began leaking badly and I used a stop-leak, no luck, then a two-part stop-leak and it really helped but still leaked a little. And my last effort was to place an oil absorbent pad in the engine compartment after wiping it all down. And it showed a clear squirt of red steering fluid jetting straight out from under the main crankshaft pully and leaving a heavy line of oil. And it was no leak but a pressure jet that occurred when I turned the steering to the lock and gave pressure against the left stop, and then the other way against the right stop. And there were two lines, a little apart, one from the left stop and the other from the right. So Im thinking its got to be a high pressure hose that is leaking possibly from a cracked fitting or bad connection at a crimp.

I suspect there has been damage from steel spikes in my parking area that sometimes snag on the splash guards under the front bumper, but with the heat shields and metal bracing one cant get at the steering rack to see whats damaged. And I to ord really like to order parts before I pull it apart. I drive the car daily and cant leave it sitting while I wait for a hose. I just assumed it was the pump but on careful checking, its not leaking at all. And the reservoir is also fine.

It's definitely from the area of the rack in the very center of the car. Sprays both forward and back as well, then drips through the pan.

Maybe just have to tear it apart and have a look, but Id love to get parts on hand first, so its ready to repair at the same time.

Thanks so much, power steering pros!

Do you have a way to put it on a lift and run it while watching out for the leak?

I already saw the leak, squirting out dead center. the next step is to pull the pans and see what is damaged, probably from hittting a rock under the steering rack. I suspect a crushed tube on the system. Just have to do it with jacks I guess. Thanks Jim.

Squirting out of steering rack?

well the rack is not visible. Its under the engine and above the splash pan and even with a mirror you cant see it without lifting the car and removing parts, splash pan and the metal shields. Its either a hose or the fitting right dead center and sguirting straight forward when the system hits pressure relief at the travel stops. No turning the wheel, no leaks. A good schematic of the system would tell me. Very likely the high pressure hose.
Thanks anyway...

Okay the mystery leak determined. In the E320 there are two pressure hoses with one visible, the other behind it under the engine and hidden behind the splash pan right in front of the steering rack. I found a pinhole leak in this rear most hose that squirted out only with the wheels turned well over causing near max pressure in the system, just running it did not leak, but when it does, its a JET! (soaking the whole compartment) Nothing wrong with the rack itself and no damage or hole or crack visible on the hose. I coated it with JB weld and wrapped it and now if it leaks, it will be obvious. If needed just replace the hose.

your car doesnt have 2 pressure hoses, the line you see leaking is the "fluid transfer" lines to either side of the power piston in the rack. They probably have rusted out or have been pinched through.

They are not available separately from the rack, however you can look for a breaking yard for a set.

Hey Z, hope you are doing good. Are they rebuildable?

Doing well!!, thanks for asking.. :)

the lines are a bit of a pain to rebuild as they are steel lines.

Just now seeing Zulfigar above and yes, this was the transfer hose, but its high pressure and squirts powerfully. Yes its pressurized when turning the wheel which makes it squirt. It was pinched and I replaced it and also the pump which burned out with fluid loss. Big mess. Anyway its all good now after replacement which was difficult but got it on the first try. That fitment into the steering rack is fairly unconventional and Im not impressed with the bend and stuff it in method needed!
Got Ebay lines for very cheap and a good pelican steering pump for very high dollars!