I own a 1993 500SL. On a recent "free" checkup at a local dealer, they noted that the short power steering hose between the PS reservoir and the Power steering pump was leaking and needed to be replaced at a cost of $440. This seems outrageously high however it was explained to me that it was very difficult to do and required removal of the power steering pump among other things. Well, I am a DIY type of person and after a look it didn’t really seem too bad. In fact it proved to be fairly simple and roughly a 1 hour task – a bit tight working conditions for large hands but do-able. I hope that this proves useful to some fellow owner out there.
Here is what you need: (yes I am aware of the potential of using non-MB parts and fluids, however this makes it a one stop trip and I have run into issues before with OEM “equivalents” previously that far outweigh the few bucks extra cost of the MB parts) Pay attention to the hose clamp style – MB has 3 or 4 different designs. Select the ones with the smallest worm barrel and screw head. If you can avoid it – don’t use the ones with the two threaded posts as they take up even more room. Space is at a premium here and larger clamps are hard to position and reach. Do not substitute other types of hose as they have to hold up to constant exposure to PS fluid.
Part number QTY Description Cost
Q-1-46-0001 1 Power Steering Fluid $9.76
005-997-45-90 2 Hose Clamp $2.30
006-997-09-82 1 0.1m length Hose, Oil Cooler $4.25 *
007603-020100 1 Ring, General (Al seal ring) $1.49
129-466-01-80 1 Gasket, Steering Reservoir $27.00
000-466-16-80 1 Gasket, PS Reservoir cover $3.44
119-997-00-45 1 Seal O Ring, PS Return hose $2.53
000-466-21-04 1 Power Steering Filter $17.22
* This MB hose is usually sold in 1M lengths for $42.50. The parts department was kind enough to sell me 1/10 M – enough to make two attempts to cut the hose right – more later.
I have seen the two expensive parts listed at various online MB OEM suppliers at lower costs if you can plan ahead. PS filter for $4.00 and reservoir gasket at ~$4.00.
Next there are a few special tools you will need in addition to standard combination wrenches and sockets.
1) 12mm allen wrench or allen Socket
2) E8 Torx socket
3) small vice grips
4) turkey baster
5) dental style mirror with pivoting head
6) flashlight
7) razor cutter or utility knife
The detailed step by step proceedure is included in the attached microsoft word file below as the text was too long for the posting.
Here is what you need: (yes I am aware of the potential of using non-MB parts and fluids, however this makes it a one stop trip and I have run into issues before with OEM “equivalents” previously that far outweigh the few bucks extra cost of the MB parts) Pay attention to the hose clamp style – MB has 3 or 4 different designs. Select the ones with the smallest worm barrel and screw head. If you can avoid it – don’t use the ones with the two threaded posts as they take up even more room. Space is at a premium here and larger clamps are hard to position and reach. Do not substitute other types of hose as they have to hold up to constant exposure to PS fluid.
Part number QTY Description Cost
Q-1-46-0001 1 Power Steering Fluid $9.76
005-997-45-90 2 Hose Clamp $2.30
006-997-09-82 1 0.1m length Hose, Oil Cooler $4.25 *
007603-020100 1 Ring, General (Al seal ring) $1.49
129-466-01-80 1 Gasket, Steering Reservoir $27.00
000-466-16-80 1 Gasket, PS Reservoir cover $3.44
119-997-00-45 1 Seal O Ring, PS Return hose $2.53
000-466-21-04 1 Power Steering Filter $17.22
* This MB hose is usually sold in 1M lengths for $42.50. The parts department was kind enough to sell me 1/10 M – enough to make two attempts to cut the hose right – more later.
I have seen the two expensive parts listed at various online MB OEM suppliers at lower costs if you can plan ahead. PS filter for $4.00 and reservoir gasket at ~$4.00.
Next there are a few special tools you will need in addition to standard combination wrenches and sockets.
1) 12mm allen wrench or allen Socket
2) E8 Torx socket
3) small vice grips
4) turkey baster
5) dental style mirror with pivoting head
6) flashlight
7) razor cutter or utility knife
The detailed step by step proceedure is included in the attached microsoft word file below as the text was too long for the posting.
