[benny23]

Hi all, im new to this forum so apologies if i've posted this in the wrong place!

I have a ML320 W164 2009, and have been having issues with my steering for a few weeks now, and reaching out for help.

Over the last 3 weeks, the steering has slowly started to get stiff and now its like i have no power steering at all.
I have checked, and there is no leaks (that i can see), the fluid is at the correct level, and is not really moving. There is no noise when turning, no knocking or whining. Ive turned the steering fully to the left and right and this worked initially for about 2 days and then the issue came back worse. I have booked in with an approved mercedes garage, and will be plugging into the star diagnostics, but not confident it will show me any mechanical issues? - could it be something as small as a faulty fuse?

From what i have seen on other forums etc, i think there may be air stuck somewhere given the symptoms, but hoping somebody can assist in how i could check/remove this, or help in any way

thanks

 

[plinker17722]

Benny 23 .Nice to see you found your cars section to post in - W164 You will need to fill in your profile .Thats the section under your name on the left .You can .use this link to do so -> Complete your Profile .

 

[plinker17722]

Start with this first .New oil and filter

 

[benny23]

Will give it a go today, thanks plinker17722

 

[plinker17722]

My pleasure

 

[etyppo]

The pump could just be worn out too. Mine lost effectiveness slowly when it went. It will usually make noise if there is air in the fluid.

It is a little tricky to replace. Two of the bolts on the reservoir are hard to remove due to limited clearance, and the snap ring that connects the reservoir to the pump is a pain to reinstall. I put a wire on it to make retrieval easier when you fail to snap it in place the first couple of times and it pops off.

 

[benny23]

So I’ve been doing some work and eliminated some options I think… Engine on and off, both wheels off the ground the steering is still stiff. Eliminating a faulty pump. Turned the engine on for a split second with the lines off the res, and steering fluid shot out the line proving there’s pressure etc. Took it to mercland (approved indi) and they had no idea what it could be. They briefly checked all the components and said everything looks fine. No noises etc so they are adamant it’s not the wrack itself. today I removed the steering solenoid attached to the wrack and will be replacing that Thursday so hoping it’s something easy like that. taped up my steering wheel at the points it goes stiff and it only seems to be incertain places it’s going stiff every time so was thinking the valve might not be opening fully ??

 

[etyppo]

Could one of the universal joints on the shaft be binding?

 

[benny23]

Was going to be the next check actually. Once I’ve replaced the speed solenoid I want to disconnect the steering shaft and test the steering wheel out. Will keep you posted mate

 

[osaenzs]

Hi all, im new to this forum so apologies if i've posted this in the wrong place!

I have a ML320 W164 2009, and have been having issues with my steering for a few weeks now, and reaching out for help.

Over the last 3 weeks, the steering has slowly started to get stiff and now its like i have no power steering at all.
I have checked, and there is no leaks (that i can see), the fluid is at the correct level, and is not really moving. There is no noise when turning, no knocking or whining. Ive turned the steering fully to the left and right and this worked initially for about 2 days and then the issue came back worse. I have booked in with an approved mercedes garage, and will be plugging into the star diagnostics, but not confident it will show me any mechanical issues? - could it be something as small as a faulty fuse?

From what i have seen on other forums etc, i think there may be air stuck somewhere given the symptoms, but hoping somebody can assist in how i could check/remove this, or help in any way

thanks

I had same issue, mine is a ML 280 CDI and the problem was the power steering solenoid valve that was bad.

Amazon.com: Power Speed Related Steering Proportioning Solenoid Valve Replacement for Mercedes W164 W204 W212 C207 X164 E320 ML320 A2214600184 : Automotive

Buy Power Speed Related Steering Proportioning Solenoid Valve Replacement for Mercedes W164 W204 W212 C207 X164 E320 ML320 A2214600184: Proportioning Valves - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[benny23]

Here’s the things I’ve done/checked so far.

1) merc have plugged in and cannot see any electrical faults.
2) changed the power steering solenoid - no change
3) flushed out oil and replaced res O ring - no change
4) jacked the car up and steering still catches with engine on and off ruling out the pump
5) full locked the wheel left to right multiple times to remove any air
6) sprayed oil over the steering joints - no change

thinking only thing now is the rack itself needs replacing :/

 

[osaenzs]

Here’s the things I’ve done/checked so far.

1) merc have plugged in and cannot see any electrical faults.
2) changed the power steering solenoid - no change
3) flushed out oil and replaced res O ring - no change
4) jacked the car up and steering still catches with engine on and off ruling out the pump
5) full locked the wheel left to right multiple times to remove any air
6) sprayed oil over the steering joints - no change

thinking only thing now is the rack itself needs replacing :/

Well, then problem has to be within the rack, there are places where they can service the pump and the bushings of the rack.

Good luck!!!

 

[BlackML550]

Here’s the things I’ve done/checked so far.

1) merc have plugged in and cannot see any electrical faults.
2) changed the power steering solenoid - no change
3) flushed out oil and replaced res O ring - no change
4) jacked the car up and steering still catches with engine on and off ruling out the pump
5) full locked the wheel left to right multiple times to remove any air
6) sprayed oil over the steering joints - no change

thinking only thing now is the rack itself needs replacing :/

The W164s suffer from a seized universal joint/knuckle at the end of the steering column where it joins the rack. It makes steering very difficult. Not all, but many have been impacted. There is a bulletin on this from memory. The joint dries up and seizes without regular lubrication. You should check this. It happened to me and MB had no idea. I diagnosed it and they laughed at me when I suggested it - " We'll do the diagnosis" they said. When I picked it up they were like "How did you know?" Idiots.