W210 steering fluid leak

[JeremyG]

Hi All,

My '96 W210 E230 estate sprang a leak today while the missus was on the school run. The steering went heavy and the fluid warning light came on; our local garage topped up the steering fluid and all was well.

However the fluid continues to leak - from somewhere below the screenwash bottle and out into the front wheel arch on the passenger side.

Any ideas as to the cause? I can't make out what's under there now it's got dark...

 

[Cole@MBS]

You have a spilt pipe then sir by the sound of it!

 

[JeremyG]

BTW, what type of fluid does the power steering use on this car?

Just been scouring the manual and service booklet but can't see a spec anywhere...

 

[television]

MB steering oil BF46 20P-1001-01A
for the 210 without hydraulic suspension
type BB0 40-P-0236 03A

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Its the same fluid used for the suspension on the rear.

As Sam, A pipe, hose or possibly the reservoir itself have sprung a leak

 

[television]

Its the same fluid used for the suspension on the rear.

As Sam, A pipe, hose or possibly the reservoir itself have sprung a leak

Sorry it is not Ellsy, I have the page still open and the combined uses BB00 40-P-0344-00A

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Oh ok.

I just thought that if its got suspension, then the same fluid is used for both the suspension and power steering?

 

[television]

Oh ok.

I just thought that if its got suspension, then the same fluid is used for both the suspension and power steering?

Yes correct the same is used for both suspension and steering, but not the same with steering only, its the first time that I have seen that, Maybe MB are having us on

 

[HERBIEMERCMAN]

the self levelling suspension has a tandem pump, combining the power steering. the more expensive oil is to cater for the high pressure and temperature created when the car is heavilly laden. power steering is classed as low pressure so a cheaper lower spec. oil can be used. the higher spec. oil is £12 / lit. low spec £7 / lit. i feel sure malcolm (televisionman) will be correct with the ref. numbers he has quoted. herbiemercman.

 

[television]

the self levelling suspension has a tandem pump, combining the power steering. the more expensive oil is to cater for the high pressure and temperature created when the car is heavilly laden. power steering is classed as low pressure so a cheaper lower spec. oil can be used. the higher spec. oil is £12 / lit. low spec £7 / lit. i feel sure malcolm (televisionman) will be correct with the ref. numbers he has quoted. herbiemercman.

And thank you for explaining the reasons