Intermittant steering issue on 2000 registered E200 Avantgarde

[alexferrie]

I'm having an internittant steering issue with my E200 Avantgarde at low speeds. On occasion the power steering will almost completely disappear and I'm left trying to lug the steering round a corner with nothing but muscle power ( starting to develop arms like a gorilla's!). There is also a fair amount of groaning from the steering at full lock, which I'm assuming is probably related.
There are no steering issues when running at speed.

 

[wireman]

Power steering pump or its drive belt.

It is not advisable to hold the steering hard against the full lock stop when manoeuvring /parking, the steering will unnecessarily receive maximum hydraulic assistance and there is the off chance that some steering parts will be overloaded and suffer premature wear, worn pump or bent linkages can be the eventual result of persistently doing so.

 

[Wirral_guy]

Have you checked the fluid level - Mine made a groaning noise when only slightly under. If very low it could cause the intermittent steering failure too.

Dave