S500 coupe power steering pump disasters

[Brianthebrowndog]

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I have a 1995 S500 Coupe - 57,000 miles. Purchased it September 2003 and done about 30,000 miles since. Not all short stop/start stuff. Always serviced at MB main dealers. Has had new power steering pump in June 2005 at 43000 miles and MB main dealer now reckons it now needs replacing after 14,000 miles! Is this unusual? is it a well known fault? They are also talking ominously about a replacement steering box. I get the impression that they are either taking the p*** or they don't know what they are doing having admitted that " we just don't see these nowadays ". Any recommendations for a dealer who knows what they are doing? I'm in the north west of England

 

[television]

What is the effect on the car, what are the symptoms

 

[Brianthebrowndog]

Slight leakof fluid - slight whine when turn steering wheel, not full lock.

 

[television]

Sorry I should have said welcome to the Forum, anyway this is not a common fault that I know of. I will search the data files on Friday, when you say that you are in the North West, anywhere near Preston

 

[Brianthebrowndog]

Thanks for the welcome.Yes, I am near Preston. I'm not surprised to hear you say it's not a common fault. Unfortunately I have had a number of very sad experiences with one of the main MB dealers round here - probably better not say which - and I get the feeling that they have technicians who don't know anything about this model. I should add that the car had a new pas pump pipe 13 months ago! I swear that I'm not mistreating the car and am astounded that a vehicle apparently so well engineered can have such a fundamental weakness as mine seems to have. I would be happy if I could be directed to a dealer who I can trust - the dealer I am referring to quoted me a minimum of £1,500 for a replacement windscreen wiper arm! Thanks for your efforts on my behalf.

 

[television]

Two Places come to mind http://www.124works.com/ and also another that I cant put up till the morning.

Ian is near Preston I think, a super engineer and well like on the forums.

MB prices for some jobs are stupid, You will also get many more answers in the morning

I think that you have done a wise move in coming here with one of the best cars ever built

 

[Hibbo]

Alright mate, cracking car.

I think I am right in assuming that the PAS pump and steering box are v similar if not the same as the ones used on the w124 (and not a million miles away from the w123 - Merc's attitude back then seemed to be "if it works, why change it") and I have got 171k and a 190k on my cars on original pumps and boxes.

I suppose a P/S pump can fail but they are not a weak spot.

As Malcolm's said, find yourself a decent indie who knows (and loves) these cars. www.124works.co.uk

 

[type49]

There is a common PAS leak but not from the pump. Below the fliud resovoir, there is a short pipe (about 3 inches) which fixes to the pump. This pipe leaks. It's a bit fiddly to replace but you may be able to tighten up the two jubilee clips at each end & see if this stops it. Worth a go, good luck.

 

[Brianthebrowndog]

Can anyone give a recommendation for a supplier of recon steering box - in the NW England?

 

[Ian B Walker]

I examined this car today. Thanks Malcolm for the recommendation. The steering box is leaking fluid from the output shaft where a new seal has been fitted. The steering is vague, to the point of being dangerous at higher speeds than town driving. Its like having to second guess the road. It was posted earlier that they are similar to 124 and 123 box's. Not the case as there are electrical connections for the steering sensor and no adjustment screw (not that it works anyway in my experience) and they are a lot bigger. I have photographed the leak and will post later. The box was not removed for the seal change, this I know because the exhaust has not been touched and to remove it the exhaust needs to come off. I know the Dealer in question and have a number of customers who complain that their service is below par. A new box is being sourced and I will fit it over the weekend. Thinks I am going to have arms like Garth when I finish, not the lightest of box's in the world.

 

[Hibbo]

It was posted earlier that they are similar to 124 and 123 box's. Not the case as there are electrical connections for the steering sensor and no adjustment screw (not that it works anyway in my experience) and they are a lot bigger.

I stand happily corrected!

I did try and hedge my bets with words like 'assume' and 'think'!

Unfortunately I've never had an S-class..... yet

PS. I've had moderate success with the adjuster bolt on my w123.

 

[Ian B Walker]

PS. I've had moderate success with the adjuster bolt on my w123.

You must teach me how to do it one day and I am not being funny, I have never been able to manage it successfully.

 

[Ultymate]

Ian the steering box adjusters I've come across have usually functioned OK the main thing when adjusting the backlash is not to go too far ie leave some backlash (slight) in the box otherwise steering becomes more vague not less. Just stating my experience not trying to teach you how to suck eggs here :wink:

 

[BlackC55]

Ian, How did you get on fitting it?

 

[Ian B Walker]

Ian, How did you get on fitting it?

It is not an easy job. You have to remove the right hand exhaust link pipe for starters. Drain all the fluid etc. That box is heavy !!. Cutting a long story short I have done it (twice, steering wheel was 180 degrees out first time). You cannot re position the steering wheel as you can on a 124. Had a problem with the SRS light but a computer reset cured that and eliminated the fault codes. The owner seems happy and I have to say it is one awesome car in every respect.

 

[wireman]

I have only used Cisley in preston and have no quibbles or complaints about their service about their parts service. There are others who I have been told to avoid like the plague.

 

[wireman]

I have only used Cisley in preston and have no quibbles or complaints about their service about their parts service. There are others who I have been told to avoid like the plague.