Quote:
Originally Posted by dilsingh  I have a problem with a Mercedes E320, year 2000. It has a stiff/hard to turn steering wheel. I took off the resevoir, cleaned it and replaced the fluid. I also bled the system for air, but there was no change. I have been told that its the power steering pump that needs replacement. There are no leaks anywhere. Can I get the power steering pump checked out for a reasobale cost while its still on the vehicle ? If it is the pump then how difficult is it to replace ? Are there any instructions available anywhere ? |
Who was it that told you the P/S pump was bad?
Is the steering hard when parking or at driving speeds or both?
Is the steering hard when cold or hot?
Your system has what is called a P valve; an electrical assist valve that is actuated only when parking. While turning the wheel, is it choppy or is just uniformly hard to turn?
All of these things have to be considered before condemning the pump.
Checking to see what the correct pressure is requires a special tool and I doubt even M/B would have it or even if they did, bother to do the test.
Before investing in a P/S pump, raise the front end off the ground and see if the turning is remarkably different. If not remove both tie rod ends and see if there is a difference. If there is a marked difference then by hand turn each steering knuckle an see if there is any restriction, if not it is
PROBABLY the pump. If not, it could be the rack and pinion/steering rack.
Also, you should try a 50mm bottle of Lubrizol (purchased at dealer) before buying a pump. Try that first for a few days and see if it helps.
Here are the instructions for removal, but I would do some tests before absorbing the cost.
