Steering Fluid Change 2000 E320

[harb]

This might be an easy question, but how do I change/replace the steering fluid on a 2000 E320? I know where the steering fluid housing is with the dip stick level check as the cover.

I am hearing minor squeaking noises when I turn the wheel in either direction at low speeds or stationary. The steering fluid change may not eliminate the noise, but I figured it wouldn't hurt. I have checked the fluid level and it is at max level.

[spine911]

i just suction out the reservoir as much as i can then replace the fluid since its a newer car and not much contaminants in the fluid, for later/older cars which has a lot of fluid contamination you have to disconnect the Power Steering reservoir hose and drain for there.

[harb]

Spine911,

Do you just use a regular suction to get the fluid out? According to specs, the reservoir holds about 1.3 quarts of steering fluid. Could that all be suctioned out - or most of it? I am assuming that using MB Steering Fluid is a must!

[harb]

I hear the steering squeaky noise only after the car is warmed up - driven about 1 hour or so. What could be the source of the problem? This is a 2000 E320 with 38K miles. Anyone with a similar experience, please shed some light!

[spine911]

harb - 2/1/2005 10:16 AM

Spine911,

Do you just use a regular suction to get the fluid out? According to specs, the reservoir holds about 1.3 quarts of steering fluid. Could that all be suctioned out - or most of it? I am assuming that using MB Steering Fluid is a must!

I use a regular suction device from a local car part store. You can almost completely suction out the reservoir P.S. Fluid using this method(95%), the remaining fluid in the P.S. pressure lines/system wont have a negative effect(you shouldnt worry about this as there is very minimal amount of old fluid left).....Harb, continue to observe the "squeeking" noise, are you sure it is from the P.S. pump? Considering your car's year and mileage im assuming you P.S. pump is still good. It is possible that the Steering Wheel could be causing this noise......BTW, it is normal for all P.S. system to create some noise especially when you do a Max. Full left/right turn.....Id use OEM MB P.S. Fluid only.

[harb]

Thanks for the reply Spine911. What is puzzling me is the fact that the noise is only heard after the car is driven for a while. If it is some plastic/rubber thing rubbing or the steering wheel itself, wouldn't the noise be there all the time?

[mjhawkins2346]

It looks like someone is going to have a flawless Benz before it gets packed up for overseas[:D]

[harb]

mj,
You got it right! I'm impressed - You've been following my threads I see. The steering wheel noise is the last thing I need to fix before I ship it! Here is what I have done to it so far:

1. Added a CD Changer
2. Replaced leather with a wood shifter
3. Replaced leather with a wood/leather wheel
4. Replaced car mats
5. Painted intake manifold
6. Painted drums and brake calipers (green)
7. Installed a new set of michelin's
8. Installed chrome headlight rings
9. Replaced head lights with white lights
10. Detailed it (mostly paint touch-ups and wax)

It looks and feels like new now. It even smells new. I JUST NEED TO FIX THE STEERING NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!
[V]

[spine911]

I had the Steering noise before(high pitched Squeeling noise-NOT Squeeking),it seems like there is some contact between the leather or MB Vinyl between the Dash and the steering column which causes this high pitch squeeling. My Fix: I used a Large Sized Screwdriver(wrapped with cloth to protect the leather) to slowly slide in between area where the Dash and the Steering Column meets to WIDEN IT A BIT- i did this throughout the whole circumference of the steering wheel column area. Saturate the cloth with some WD40 or Armour All(this will serve as a lubricant between the leather to decrease contact/friction)[:)].....Harb, Pls inspect your Steering Wheel column as well, our W210s had some issues with this.

[Mr. Pie]

Harb,

What type of paint did you use to paint the calipers? I was thinking of painting mine as well, but I think I might go with a different color like black.