What is the parameter steering option ? Seems like a strange option ? I ma amazed that you can have steering options !
The parameter steering option makes steering easier at low speeds and stiffer at high speeds.
It is a electrical actuated device inside the steering rack, narrowing or widening the flow of hydraulic fluid to the pistons.
It was an option in Germany, maybe series in the US-models.....
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W210 E200, 1995, 251 k kilometers
W208 CLK55, 2000, 42 k Kilometers
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: The Mountain State
Posts: 6,381
I checked my 2001 E320/E430/E55 sales literature and "Rack-and-pinion with speed-sensitive power assist and integral hydraulic damper." was standard equipment on all U.S.A. models.
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Ich liebe meinen Mercedes-Benz!
I took the car into a MB certified mechanic (not the dealer) and was told that I need a new Power Steering pump. He did not do much diagnostics other than confirming that the steering is indeed stiff. His estimated job cost including the pumps is $575. Can this job be done DIY by buying a reconditioned PS pump, say from Ebay ? As I stated in previous emails, the PS does provide some assistance with the steering but not enough, and there is no leak. Is it possible that the PS resevoir may be clogged up, if it has a filter in it ? I did change some of the fluid a couple of months ago.
As always, expert advice from this site is greatlly appreciated.
I replaced the power steering pump, but no improvement in the stifness of the steering. Its as stiff as before. I was surprised that it only took a small amount of PS fluid to come up to the right level on the PS dipstick. I did run the engine and bled the air in the system. Perhaps the PS fluid in not flowing throughout of the system. If I get a flush of the PS system, will that ensure that the fluid circulates around the systeme properly ?
Any other suggestions to try - the rack and pinion is very expensive !
This problem is a "nuisance" rather then one that prevents driving the vehicle.
It is important to bleed the system before starting the engine.
After replacing my leaking return hose, I tried to bleed it by turning the wheels with the engine running and thought it was fine. The first drive convinced me that it was anything but fine. The steering wasn't stiff (never was), but rather there was no damping action. At around 50 MPH there was a violent shaking of the wheel. Air in the rack allows unrestricted movement, and the fluid dampens that movement via valves on the hydraulic lines.
I then bled it with the engine off, by turning the wheels lock-to-lock several times with the front in the air. That took care of the damping problem.
However, none of this applies to your problem. If your steering is stiff and the problem is not the pump, it is the rack. I don't know if you can get the parts to rebuild it, or even if that is practical.
The proper bleeding procedure is with front up - key off - turn stop-to-stop 30-40 times When you turn the engine on, you're screwed up by forcing any air pocket back into the system. It's the air being forced thru the system that really screws up the pump or rack.
Done the right way, and before blowing out the baffle screen in a new reservoir, everything will be to the good. Just did it right on my gal's W163 (same setup as the W210) and even I was impressed by noiseless steering effort.
I do not hear any groaning noise from the system. I turned the steering wheel with the front raised about 20 times, perhaps I need to repeat a few more times ? Its stiff when turning in either direction. It seems that there is no good way to isolate the problem to a component in the system, but I have probably elimited the PS pump as a cause. Not sure where to go from here. The Rack and pinion is vey expensive to buy and replace. Since there are no codes thrown by the on board computer, I doubt if a Mercedes Diiagnostic test will be any better at figuring out the problem.
I changed the PS pump but it did not fix the problem. Luckily, it was not too difficult once I had the right E-type female sockets. Its a shame I cannot pintpoint what excatly needs to be changed, but I now know that its not the PS pump. I guess the next thing will be the rack and pinion. Is this something that is a DIY or do I have to find a mechanic ? Most mechanics will not allow you to supply them with the parts. I guess they want to supply new parts and keep the discount ?
They do make a profit on the parts, which is the main reason that most won't let you bring your own with you.
The other reason is customer satisfaction. If they choose the supplier and the part goes bad during their (probably fairly short) labor warranty period, they eat the cost of the labor. If you bring your own part, they will not change it for free if it goes bad, and that may leave you with bad feelings toward them.
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