[dl704p]

I have had a 420 SEL for about 6 months.

Recently in the cold, first thing in the morning,
the car creates a weird noise when turning the
steering wheel (either direction).

The noise dies down after a few miles.

Any idea what I should be looking for?

It has 93K miles original miles on it and has
been well maintained by its original owner, who
owned it from 1987 to 2004

Any help is appreciated.

Also I live in the Cincinnati, OH metro area. Any good
mechanics / shops nearabouts..??

Thx

 

[Naomilla2.0]

Check power steering fluid. When was it last serviced?

Do a search on the subject matter and you'll find more info.

 

[mramay]

As previously stated, check power steering fluid - make sure it's sufficient. Also, my 87 560SEL makes a funny noise when cold but it's the plastic trim hitting the steering column in the car. Is your noise external or internal??

 

[dl704p]

The noise seems to come from underneath the car, at
the left front right under or near the left front
wheel.

I popped the hood today and did not see a Power
steering reservoir... ??

Any idea how I could locate it easily...

I am attaching some photos here, is it visible here?

Thx

 

[bronze560SEL]

dats really weird cuz my car is doin that lately i'ma check the power steering fluid

 

[Naomilla2.0]

There is no clear container reservoir as such, but it is integrated with the pump. The pump is the silver round lid with black nipple (next to black plastic cover with the MB insignia) towards the bottom right of the picture you have posted. Unscrew bleeding cap (black nipple), remove the lid and check the oil level and quality.

See following thread link for more info

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1194953&posts=2&hl=power+steering

 

[dl704p]

Thanks for helping me find the power steering
fluid reservoir.


I opened it up to check how much fluid is there. I
could not see any marks or level indicators.

The fluid was at a level barely below the filter
with the round holes.

Is that how much it should be or there should be
more?

Totally confused, so I took my camera out and took
a few digital pictures a few mins ago.

I am attaching the photos here, can anyone comment
on the existing level and tell me if its correct.

Note: the car is on a slight slope going downwards to the left side of the picture, so the fluid level is slightly above the filter on the left.

Thx. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Naomilla2.0]

That's definitely low.

Your pump should be either VT or ZL 49. See attached. Good luck - might as well change the filters too and if you can, use the MB or MB recommended stuff.

 

[Alfa]

Fill it up all the way to were that lip is on inside
of the reservoir with ATF, and forget about it.
I'm spending the night in Fairfield,Oh 2-23-05

 

[jdc1244]

Man, I’ve never seen one that low before – might as well replace the filter and fill it back up. Is there a leak? My car has a steady leak, needs a top off about once a month.

 

[Alfa]

jdc1244a - 2/23/2005 11:30 PM

Man, I’ve never seen one that low before – might as well replace the filter and fill it back up. Is there a leak? My car has a steady leak, needs a top off about once a month.

I've been told if you put 4oz of Kerosene in the
reservoir that may stop the leak

 

[Dr.Grillz]

As far as a good mechanic..

MB Classic
West Chester, OH.
513-870-0014

Aaron Greenberg(I believe is an owner) knows old Mercedes, especially the w126, like the back of his hand. Don't think there's anyone more knowledgable than him.

 

[dl704p]

Thankyou for all the help and prompt suggestions
provided on this message board.

The diagrams and suggestions provided were really useful.

I put some MB power steering fluid to top off the
reservoir and now the steering is smooth as silk.

Also, I was at the mechanic yesterday for an oil change
and asked the mechanic to trace the source
of the leak. The power steering fluid leak is minor
and was traced to a rubber hose going down to the
cooling element under the radiator, which cools the
power steering fluid.

I will have the tube replaced at the next oil change
service.

Other than that, there are NO leaks under the car,
and it works and rides great. The earlier owner was
an Indian doctor who took extremely good care of the
car.

I have been doing a lot of driving lately and
consistently average around 21 mpg city and 18 mpg
city driving. I fill gas only at Costco (which is
BP gas, I think). The costco gas gives better gas
mileage than filling at any other station.

Thankyou.

1987 420SEL
Silver, 86K miles bought Aug 11, 2004 (I am 2nd owner)
today: 94K miles