power steering W123

[LEXI]

where, oh where is the power steering fluid reservoir?
its not written in the owner's manual, and my haynes has yet to arrive...
The power steering stopped working yesterday, and my arms are sore.
I think its the obscurely located reservoir tucked away next to the engine at the front on the passenger side (RHD car)
If this is so, gulp, how do i access it to fill it???? there seems to be a few little (hah) things in the way. I'm guessing this is why it isn't in my OM.
any thoughts on this is very appreciated

 

[LEXI]

btw, the car is a 1981 280CE

 

[stever]

If you follow the steering pump belt from the front of the crankshaft towards the passenger side, you'll see where the reservoir is - it will have a circular cap with a wing or knurled nut on top. In order to fill it, open your bottle of fluid, put your finger over the spout, and then you can manouver ok to fill the reservoir. You need to fill up to the bottom of the arrow (top of arrow is if engine is hot), and leave the lid off while turning the steering a few times (engine on) so that you bleed air out of it. I doubt that low fluid will make the power steering fail completely though.

 

[LEXI]

Thanks stever
I don't think that's why it failed either... it was making funny noises around full lock a day before it failed. I just want to have a look and see.
I'll try your advice. I think i was right about where it was....

 

[TimN]

If you permit the level in the reservoir to drop too low then the pump will emulsify what is left of the fluid. Even if the reservoir is topped up, the air in the fluid will compress when trying to operate the piston in the steering box. If this is what has happened you first of all need to find the source of the leak and rectify it. You will have to drain the steering box via the screw at the bottom and suck out any emulsified fluid from the reservoir. Top up with fresh. Any air bubbles remaining will eventually rise to the surface each time your engine is stopped.

Of course the most likely cause of you problem is a snapped or slipping drive belt followed by the above and finally a faulty pump.