w140 heavey steering.

DoctorGee

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Hello people-
The steering on my 1998 S280 is a little stiff. I thought the power steering fluid (or ATF if that's the case) was probably low. I can't find where you check the fluid level & top it up. The manual just says take the car to a dealer...
Surly it can't be that hard to check the level and top it up if required?
Any advice?

Greg.
 
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DoctorGee

DoctorGee

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Hi Malcolm! thanks for your reply. Your detailed diagrams are splendid as always. It doesn't show how to check the power steering fluid level though-and while we're at it, is there a dipstick to check the ATF levels for the automatic gearbox too?

Greg.
 

television

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There will either be a dip stick on the cap, on the inside or there will be a line parked for max level.

Re the gear box,,no sticks on the 722 boxes. you can make one from curtain wire
 
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DoctorGee

DoctorGee

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you can make one from curtain wire?!.. I just love this forum:lol:
But seriously, Where do I pour in ATF to top up?
 
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C180 Chris

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Hi,
As Malcolm says the 140 either has a dipstick or a level marked in the resevoir.

If you look at the engine front on, you will see the utility belt (fan belt)
look to the right hand side and you will see a black screw cap on top of the pump.
take the screw cap off and then lift off the lid of the pump, you should then either see a dipstick or a level mark.
Fill and replace the lid and screw cap.

Hope this helps a bit,
 
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DoctorGee

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Thanks Chris and Malcolm- I actually saw the pump and opened it's black screw cap yeasterday. I also saw that it had oil in it. Now is this resevior for the power steering or for the automatic transmission?
 

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Thanks Chris and Malcolm- I actually saw the pump and opened it's black screw cap yeasterday. I also saw that it had oil in it. Now is this resevior for the power steering or for the automatic transmission?

That is for the steering. the gearbox has a long tube coming up at the rear offside of the engine with a black cap on it. that is for the gearbox
 
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Nice one Malcolm- and if I may press further.. it looked like oil (not ATF as is the case in some cars) in the power steering resevior. Is it regular oil or a specialised fluid?
 

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It is an ATF and not oil MB have it in stock there are different systems, some have a tandem power steering pump that operates the suspension as well
 

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take great care not to let any dirt get into the system when checking the P/s level. It's so easy to do.
 
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Thanks again guys. I've just come back from looking under the bonnet again. It isn't oil in the resevior as I thought yesterday- I put my finger in & found it looks and smells just like ATF.. This was before I got your last posts (Malcolm & Stuart).
It looks full. I can't see the mark, so it must be just over it I suppose. Any ideas why the steering feels heavy? It's just not as light as my previous (older) W140, or the Chrysler grand voyager we have now. Is this normal? Also, I still can't find the gearbox fill up port/dipstick. Any pictures anyone?
 

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Thanks again guys. I've just come back from looking under the bonnet again. It isn't oil in the resevior as I thought yesterday- I put my finger in & found it looks and smells just like ATF.. This was before I got your last posts (Malcolm & Stuart).
It looks full. I can't see the mark, so it must be just over it I suppose. Any ideas why the steering feels heavy? It's just not as light as my previous (older) W140, or the Chrysler grand voyager we have now. Is this normal? Also, I still can't find the gearbox fill up port/dipstick. Any pictures anyone?

Have you checked air pressure. Changed tyres to what you were used to? Could explain.
 

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I am thinking of the bottom swivels seized up ,,a common fault
 
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DoctorGee

DoctorGee

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Having a look at those bottom swivels may require a pro, Malcolm- but I'm all up for a try if it's something an DIYer can do. Any views on the location of the gearbox's ATF filler port?
 
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C180 Chris

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Also, when filling the gearbox ATF remember to observe all the rules of filling autoboxes ie check with engine running, up to temp and in DRIVE.

Other threads do exist on here with full instructions.:D:D
 

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check whether its got speed sensitive power steering?
 
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DoctorGee

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Thanks guys. I'll check the other threads as you mentioned Chris and I've got the diagram from Malcolm. Concerning the power steering, I need to confirm the speed sensitive feature Star mentioned. If it does have that feature the stiffness may be normal.

Greg.
 

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If you have got SPS then this will be shown on the car as code 213A
 
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