Hi Benz50602,
If you got the Rack and Pinion replaced can you let me know what kind of cost we are talking about ? The mechanic I contacted wants $1200-1500.
I was thinking that since the steering is stiff in both directions, it has to be a common part that has the problem rather than the left or right side. This leads me to think (wishfully ?) that its perhaps the PS pump rather than the Rack and Pinion. However, I do not hear any abnormal noises from the pump, or leaks, and the PS fluid level is good.
I looked at the rack mechanism from below and found that there was an electical connector ( 2 wires, I think ) that was just hanging there. I reconnected it, but I am not sure if the steering wheel is any easier to turn than before. Its definitely, much stiffer than on the S430. What is the function of this connecor ? Is it just a monitor of some condition or does it provide some sort of actuation signal ? If it provides a control signal then its strange that the steering worked at all, during the last 3 years that I have had the car ( bought it when it was about 4 years old).
The msytery continues ... luckily, I can still drive it wthout any problems.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: West Virginia, USA
Posts: 5,819
Quote:
Originally Posted by dilsingh
Is there a way to check if the Power Steering Pump is functioning OK ?
I think they typically make an abnormal noise when they are failing (I went through that not long ago with my Toyota). Also, the steering seemed normal on the highway, but was pretty stiff at slow speeds. I hope you are correct because replacing the pump should cost a lot less than the rack and pinion. Hope this helps.
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Can anyone tell me the function of the electrical connector going to the rack and pinion assembly of an E320, year 2000, please ?
I still don't have my WIS laptop working and can't use this PC to check the EPC but at first blush I'd guess it is for the Steering Angle Sensor as part of the ESP algorithm. Why it would be unplugged is a mystery to me.
I'll look at the EPC tomorrow, perhaps in the meanwhile if someone else has the WIS or the FSM they can look at that too.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
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When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
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Thank you very much for the information. My problem is not at the high speed, but its strange that it had been unplugged, even though the socket for the connector is a tight fit. There are no noises from the power steering pump but perhaps it has become less efficient somehow.
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