450slc Power steering groaning noise.

[mark@space]

My power steering has gone pop, failed and expelled some of the oil out of the top of the reservior.
I replaced the pump (with a second hand one, MB dealership wanted £500 for new pump). I have tighted the belts. and filled the system with ATF. The power steering is now working but there is a groaning noise which seem's to be emitting from the pump still. Especially when I apply a load on the pump when turning the steering while the car is stationary.
I am now thinking of also replacing the belts although they look in reasonable condition so I am not convinced this will correct the fault.
Can anyone please help me?

 

[Myros]

Mark, as my doctor keeps telling me

when I complain about it hurting when I lift my arms above my head, she says don't lift your arms above your head then.
It could be that your new pump groaned before you got it. Mine grumbles a bit, but it grumbled when I got it and I'm going on an "ain't broke don't fix it" regime.
I would avoid turning the wheel when the car is stationary for a variety of good reasons.It strains all the track rod ends, makes the pump work o/t, and ruins the tread on your tyres. Espec at full lock, don't be tempted to crank on "extra" turn to the wheel, just hold it finger-tight.
Keep an eye out for leaks etc, but if really worried, a trip to a knowledgeable mechie might be on the cards. The belts don't seem to be part of the trouble though.
There was a good thread on this very topic at SL107.com a while ago. Probably worth a shufti.

 

[mark@space]

Myros thanks for pointing me at the 107 site I am fairly new to owning an SLC so I hope I can contribute positively to this site when I have a bit more experience under my belt.
The groaning noise is too loud not fix as my wife is refusing to drive the car, this has its advantages unless you would like the wife to drive home from the pub.

 

[Myros]

Mark, you are welcome

we're all cuddly old hectors here. I can recommend one of those Cd manuals from e bay. I tried to get the original one from Mb at 80squid, but they couldn't help me by being unable to order it, so I got an e bay one at 17squid and it's invaluable. It seems to be an MBUSA version, so 500 SL not covered, but it does all the useful info and wiring and stuff and should be a boon to the weary motorist.
I hear all the pipes groaning and creaking on mine as the atf warms up from cold. Just older car idiosyncracies I hope.
If having the missus drive you home was a cost-option, then I'd have the pump looked at pronto, as it is prime chauffeur season.

 

[tom7035]

Could be airlocked. Jack up the front of the car to take the weight off the wheels, turn the steering wheel slowly full lock to lock several times (engine off), keeping an eye on the reservoir, topping up if neccesary.
Might help, cheers, Tom.

 

[mark@space]

Thanks everyone.
Car fixed. Car was jacked up, extra ATF and a wiggle of the wheel a few times and all is now fine.