Dropped the car off at the dealership for this problem expecting it to be a simple fix. Turns out something in there is leaking power steering fluid. This part is not covered by the Starmark warranty.
I will get the specifics when I pick up the car.
Cost of repair - $200

Anand..

__________________
Anand
2002 VW Passat 4Motion
1999 C280 Sport

Power Steering Fluid reservoir was diagnosed as having the leak. This part is not covered under Starmark
Despite the BIG K&N sticker on the air filter cover, the dealer recommended changing my air filter, along with the fuel filter.

__________________
Anand
2002 VW Passat 4Motion
1999 C280 Sport

Anand

Having had some "experience" with Starmarked "warranties" I would push back on them and say that it seems the defect has been present for some time and that you want the Zone Rep to pay for it.

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Where is the leak in the reservoir? If it's like mine, there is a gasket in the cover, and my gasket became hard over time, allowing the fluid to leak. I replaced the gasket, and all is well.

Also, if that's not the problem and they definitely won't pay for the fix, you might want to try some of the stop leak stuff you can buy in auto parts stores. It's at least worth a shot.

Good luck.

All:

Thanks for the feedback.
When I first noticed the problem, I suspected it might be related to the Power Steering fluid. However, I was unsuccessful in locating the power steering fluid reservoir to check the level. Is it cleverly disguised to look like something else? Is there a dip stick or a some other device to check the fluid levels? The car is a W202 C280.

__________________
Anand
2002 VW Passat 4Motion
1999 C280 Sport

On my W202 (a 1995) I have a silver circular cannister with a black nipple on top. If you unscrew this, remove the metal lid and look inside, there is a white plastic part that indicates the min and max levels. On the metal lid, there is a rubber gasket. That part is about $3-$5 to replace, and could literally be done by a drunk monkey. I think, however, that there is a seal between the reservoir and the pump that is not as easy to replace/renew.

On newer W202s, instead of a silver circular cannister, there may be a squarish black reservoir with a screw-off knob-type top. I believe that this may have a dipstick built into it, but I am not sure.

Also, on a side note, if you are adding fluid, don't use ATF, add PS fluid. Some people recommend using genuind MB fluid, I use Febi-Bilstein, and that seems to work just fine.

Good luck,

Eric

__________________
________________________
98 e430, 55K