Power Steering Issue...Mercedes ML 270 Cdi W163) Auto 2002

[13enzy]

Hi, I am having issues with my “Power Steering”, which has abruptly stopped working all of a sudden, without having any previous problems in the past etc.
I have a Mercedes Benz ML270 Cdi (W163) Auto 2002 model.
I am based here in the Greater Manchester area of the UK.
As I started my car up on this very cold morning (temperature was [minus] -3 degrees), and as I tried to drive it away, I discovered the POWER STEERING was not working !
So, firstly.... “What could be the fault” ?
, and secondly..... “What would have caused” this ?
I would really appreciate any response from you guys, as the vehicle is now not drive-able…
Thanks.

 

[mattkh]

Check that the belt is turning the pulley on the power steering pump.
Please put up a picture if you can.

 

[13enzy]

Check that the belt is turning the pulley on the power steering pump.
Please put up a picture if you can.

Hi
checked the oil reservior, its empty !!!
Poured some power steering oil in it....it all just leaked out near the radiator end

 

[mattkh]

Hi
checked the oil reservior, its empty !!!
Poured some power steering oil in it....it all just leaked out near the radiator end

Well spotted.
Can you see which hose has come off..?

 

[13enzy]

The bit that is attached to the RAD with a jubilee clip is well (rubber) corroded (point of leak)
But to get to it, i need to take the FAN & COWL off ?......... I wonder if that is easy to do, as I can see two bolts at the bottom end of the cowl ( I have loosened one but the other one is well and truly seized, and i cannot budge it, so I have sprayed some WD40 on it and I will try again later on) any idea how the FAN & COWL (one piece) is disconnected/removed from the top (it looks as though it just lifts up and off ?
If i can do that and remove the hose from the RAD, then maybe I might be able to cut the damaged rubber bit off and reattach it back (that is if the length allows it) on to the RADiator etc