W140 graunchy steering wheel

[timon]

My W140 S320 has performed perfectly with no issues for four years. Everything works as it should. About a month ago however when parking I noticed the steering wheel made a graunchy noise. The power steering still worked perfectly.

Took it to the local MB garage who have experience of the older models. They kept it for two days and then said:

'There's a fairly significant oil leak underneath but we can't work out where it's coming from. The engine has a good level. We've cleaned it up so why don't you go and do 300 miles and then bring it back'. Something about this worries me. If something needs oil and isn't getting it because of a leak, aren't I going to have to repair something that might not have needed repairing? And if the only two things wrong with the car are noisy steering (which still works perfectly) and oil loss, might they not be connected?

Any thoughts really welcome. I wanna keep this car because I love it to bits.

 

[LostKiwi]

Sounds like the leak may be power steering fluid and air is getting in the system.

 

[timon]

Sounds like the leak may be power steering fluid and air is getting in the system.

That sounds completely logical to me but I can't believe they wouldn't have thought of that since the steering problem was what I brought it in for. What might happen if I continue to drive as they suggest? Loss of power steering I suppose which with an S is likely to make it undriveable? .

 

[LostKiwi]

Loss of power steering and resultant very heavy steering. Probably still drivable but it's going to need strong arms at low speed.
If you can get a piece of plain kitchen towel under the leak you should be able to see what colour the oil is. That might give a clue.