Power Steering C250

[BarryG]

Earlier today I heard a grinding grating noise whilst breaking. I then heard it when I wasnt breaking ??
It was really surprising how noisy it was, inside the car it was hard to tell where it was coming from seemed to be all round.
I dont think even my driving could cause all brakes to fail at the same time
So went to a local supermarket car park and threw the car around and listened. I noticed it was noisier on right lock.
Got my son to turn the steering wheel whilst parked and it was the power steering.
Mine doesnt have a dipstick ( think I'm correct in saying its a ZF ) so unscrewed the top and the fluid was well below the minimum.
Called at a local autoparts to be told no go on the fluid, as it is only supplied by MB.
Checked the Haynes just now it says the same MB Lenkgetriebeol (000 989 88 03) ONLY
Also spotted the leak I hope, the first rubber hose connecting to the metal pipe from the base of the pump had fluid around the top of the rubber.
I don't have a local dealer where would i get some from?

Could I not just use a good quality power steering fluid to top it up?

 

[television]

I will look up an equivalent if there is one

 

[BarryG]

I will look up an equivalent if there is one

Thanks Malcolm

 

[television]

MB oil 236.3 ----- 000 989 88 03

Mobil ATF D

Fuchs Titan PSF

Best I can do Barry

 

[BarryG]

Apologies Malcolm missed your post.
Went to the stealers and paid them £8 for 1/2 litre.
Not too bad I suppose.

Just to confirm on the way there the noise even when not turning, sounded like the brakes had gone. The noise seemed to come from all four corners of the car. Topped up the power steering fluid all back to normal. Touch wood.

Had a look around whilst there, to see how the other half lives.
Some beautiful cars all well out of my price bracket though
Cheapest one I saw was £20.000

 

[television]

I forgive you, it only took 18½ hours to look it up Its surprising the difference a little oil makes

 

[BarryG]

I forgive you, it only took 18½ hours to look it up Its surprising the difference a little oil makes

It didnt come up on my new posts yesterday is my only excuse sir.
I was here just missed it

It was odd, the fluid only took a small amount to top it up. The difference was instant.
Once again thanks for your time.

 

[television]

It didnt come up on my new posts yesterday is my only excuse sir.
I was here just missed it

It was odd, the fluid only took a small amount to top it up. The difference was instant.
Once again thanks for your time.

I have found of late that many new post do not come up, I have been waiting for answers to come up and when I go to that section I find a few post that I did not know were there.

My Suspension oil was a touch down and Had to buy 1 liter to put a cap full in

 

[BarryG]

On rechecking the fluid it did need topping up again Friday morning. Hopefully just the fluid recirculating
All seems well now though, holding level at the Max mark After a good run out.
I have stuck up a picture of the pipe I assume was my problem. (God I love tempting fate)
On the picture (1) is where I could see liquid around the top of the pipe. Strange thing is it didnt look as if it had run down the pipe. Does it evaporate?

(2) is where the clip was previously.

I removed the clip completely and as you can see pushed the pipe further up on the metal pipe coming from the reservoir. (Didnt want to risk taking it off and cutting it, then having fluid all over.)
Once again I'm assuming there are olives on the pipe. Reclipped the pipe between them (3) and as you can see no more fluid top of the pipe.

 

[hmang]

any idea why this caused the grindy noise ?

 

[BarryG]

Not technicaly minded enough to give an answer hmang sorry.
I would assume no fluid, equals no lubrication too or the lack of pressure allowing parts to move from position there by rubbing .
The noise really was horrendous, and as I've stated it was happening whilst braking without turning the wheels. Which had me thinking brake pads straight away.
All's quiet on the car front now
Now to find where the coolants going?

 

[BarryG]

On rechecking the fluid it did need topping up again Friday morning. Hopefully just the fluid recirculating
All seems well now though, holding level at the Max mark After a good run out.
I have stuck up a picture of the pipe I assume was my problem. (God I love tempting fate)

Well the part of the above quote, to take notice of is......

(God I love tempting fate)

Took the car into a friends garage to put it up on his lift, to do the brakes front and back. And repair a small leak at the base of the radiator.
In preperation for MOT next week.
Whilst we were doing the pads noticed play in the track rod ends, so put new ones on.
Also noticed fluid on the inside of the driver side front wheel arch. on checking found it's coming from on or around the top half of the power steering rack. Rechecked power steering fluid again, which I had only checked the evening before and it was well below the minimum mark again.:-(
So it seems the fluid hasn't just been leaking from the hose I fixed
Is there a gasket or seal of some sort on these ?

The reason I ask is, I couldnt see any obvious leaks from around the pipes.
It wasn't easy to get a good look at any part of it, apart from underneath with the undercar covers removed. The leak itself seemed to be running down the body of the unit itself.

Any help, hints, warnings etc. Gratefully recieved
(Preferably without having to pay out hundreds of pounds on replacing it )

 

[Hibbo]

Is it a steering box or a steering rack Barry?

 

[television]

box

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=F&cat=44V&SID=46&SGR=015&SGN=01

 

[BarryG]

Is it a steering box or a steering rack Barry?

Showing my ignorance again, as Malcolm said, it's a box.:-?
The only thing I noticed in the Haynes was for a lower seal. Pretty sure the leak is coming from near the top, unless the fluid is getting blown up and over the unit.
(It came up as a 4 spanner job too, which pretty much says don't be stupid Barry get some one else to do it. )

 

[Hibbo]

I can't think of anywhere on top of the box where it could leak from, apart from maybe the adjuster/locknut. Try tweaking the locknut up a bit tighter. Other than that, I've not got a clue, sorry mate!

 

[Hibbo]

In fact, tweaking the locknut is a stupid idea. Don't tweak the locknut.

So to correct my last post; I don't have a clue, sorry Baz.

If your mate's ramps support the chassis so the wheels are free to turn, clean the steering box up, then run the engine and turn the steering lock to lock for a while and see if you can see exactly where it's coming from.

 

[television]

Wash it down Barry with a degreaser, it will then be easy to see where it is comming from, no other way

 

[BarryG]

I can't think of anywhere on top of the box where it could leak from, apart from maybe the adjuster/locknut. Try tweaking the locknut up a bit tighter. Other than that, I've not got a clue, sorry mate!

Where on the diagram that Malcolm helpfully popped up would that be?

I suppose it could be worse, some git could have snapped the star of the car too. (Oh they did! This afternoon in the city center. )
Ordered the power steering fluid from MB this afternoon, for pick up first thing. Have to order a star too:-?

 

[television]

here is all of it

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=F&cat=44V&SID=46&SGR=060&SGN=02