[pcarbenz]

My 2002 ml320 had a slow leak of power steer fluid, 2 months ago I went to my local auto parts store and asked them what type of fluid I need. After he looked up the requirements on his screen, he said the ml doesn't call for any special type of ps fluid and sold me the standard inexpensive fluild. The slow leak continued and unfortunately I didn't fix the problem sooner. Now the fluid is full, but it looks froaty(it wasn't before) and the whine in constant although it diminishes when it warms up, much worst when I turn the wheel. It's been very cold lately, does that affect anything? I am new to the forum, but after reading some other posts I'm wondering if I caused major damage by putting in non MB fluid. How do I determine what I need to fix/replace. Should I start with the reservoir only. How can I drain the old fluid. I would like to repair it myself. Any help is much appreciated.....

 

[Loudgoldwing]

Cold = noise. However, bubbles = air in the stream, which causes noise.

Best stuff on the market is Lucas Oil brand Power Steering Treatment. Go to your nearest Advance Auto Parts, or O'Reilly, or Autozone. They will have it. It should be a small (+/- 8 oz.) white plactic bottle.

Use a turkey baster to suck some power steering fluid out of the reservoir, and squirt it into an old oil bottle or something.

Put enough Lucas in there to fill the reservoir back up, and then run the vehicle for a minute or two, turning the wheel back and forth.

Repeat the sucking out and refilling until the whole bottle of Lucas is in there. You should even be noticing some improvement as you do this.

 

[timoparn]

My 2002 ml320 had a slow leak of power steer fluid, 2 months ago I went to my local auto parts store and asked them what type of fluid I need. After he looked up the requirements on his screen, he said the ml doesn't call for any special type of ps fluid and sold me the standard inexpensive fluild. The slow leak continued and unfortunately I didn't fix the problem sooner. Now the fluid is full, but it looks froaty(it wasn't before) and the whine in constant although it diminishes when it warms up, much worst when I turn the wheel. It's been very cold lately, does that affect anything? I am new to the forum, but after reading some other posts I'm wondering if I caused major damage by putting in non MB fluid. How do I determine what I need to fix/replace. Should I start with the reservoir only. How can I drain the old fluid. I would like to repair it myself. Any help is much appreciated.....

Hi,

in short - yes, wrong fluid would damage your PS system (or any other system in matter of speaking), but since none of us have any idea what was the "standard inexpensive" one you put in then perhaps you can post the brand / mar you used?

About the whine etc - do what Loudgoldwing suggested if you are certain you got the wrong brand.

br,
Timo

 

[pcarbenz]

Power steering whine/wrong fluid/more problems

Thanks guys,
The brand I used was from Service Pro, SP 2287 says it meets GM, Ford & Chrysler standards. Now, the steering is also getting very difficult to steer at times. I want to tackle this repair myself. Should I start with replacing the o ring ,clip and reservoir first, check for leaks. How do I know when the pump is bad. This is my wifes daily vehicle and I need to get it fixed ASAP.

Thanks,
pcarbenz

 

[ajobmusee]

so far
Loudgoldwing's trick works for me been a month and it is quieter....