W211 2005 EClass Estate Steering rack gaitor

[Brian23]

Hi I want to change a W211 2005 EClass Estate Steering rack gaitor. I have done this years ago on cars, but on reading how on to, one site it says that you have to drain the steering fluid before you start. Is this correct?
I thought that it would just be. Take the wheel off. Clean the rack area. Unlock track rod end rack nut. Undo the joint nut and pop the joint. Count the removal turns. Remove the gaitor ties and pull off the gaitor. Add a bit of grease to the rack joint. Replace gaitor, retie etc. Anything I have forgotten?? Yes I have jacked up the car etc, before anyone says.

 

[00slk]

Hi I want to change a W211 2005 EClass Estate Steering rack gaitor. I have done this years ago on cars, but on reading how on to, one site it says that you have to drain the steering fluid before you start. Is this correct?
I thought that it would just be. Take the wheel off. Clean the rack area. Unlock track rod end rack nut. Undo the joint nut and pop the joint. Count the removal turns. Remove the gaitor ties and pull off the gaitor. Add a bit of grease to the rack joint. Replace gaitor, retie etc. Anything I have forgotten?? Yes I have jacked up the car etc, before anyone says.

Don't forget the axle stand, everything else is as you say

 

[Brian23]

Don't forget the axle stand, everything else is as you say

So no need to drain the fluid?

 

[00slk]

So no need to drain the fluid?

No, the fluid is contained inside the pump and steering rack, the gaiters only there to keep the dust and debrie away from the seals. Once the seals start to leak the fluid leaks into the rubber gaiters, but that's a different story!

 

[Brian23]

No, the fluid is contained inside the pump and steering rack, the gaiters only there to keep the dust and debrie away from the seals. Once the seals start to leak the fluid leaks into the rubber gaiters, but that's a different story!

well that's the way they say to do it on welknown Parts site. Very strange.