Bad steering racks on 07-09's
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Bad steering racks on 07-09's
Okay guys:
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Okay guys:
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance:p:
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance:p:
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 230
Likes: 59
From: Houston, TX
24G63,21GT634DR, 17C63s, 08GL450
Mine too
Checking the parts on site made me think this was somewhere around 5k Repair. Fortunate for having warranty.
Now seriously thinking of extending the warranty.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
Nothing much to see, just power steering fluid dripping off the rack. Mine started leaking again, only at the cooler (built into the radiator I think?) this time. The radiator was leaking too. Thank you extended warranty.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, California
2016 GL63 & 2008 S550
Mine was just replaced a few weeks ago as well (leaking fluid on the garage floor). Good thing I got the ext warranty, as the manufacturer's warranty just expired for my GL. I looked at the screen when they finalized the paperwork, and I looks like the out of pocket cost is ~1600 for the job.
Now if I could only get the ext warranty company to fix the noisy/squeaky bushings on the front. There's a svc bullitten about it, but since it's not technically broken, they won't cover the job until something breaks.
I tell you I'm nearing the end of my rope with this car, as it's been one thing after another. 49k miles and the stack of service records I have for it is getting to be the size of a novel.
Now if I could only get the ext warranty company to fix the noisy/squeaky bushings on the front. There's a svc bullitten about it, but since it's not technically broken, they won't cover the job until something breaks.
I tell you I'm nearing the end of my rope with this car, as it's been one thing after another. 49k miles and the stack of service records I have for it is getting to be the size of a novel.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario
2017 Mercedes S550, 2015 Mercedes GL350
My 2008 GL is currently in the shop and one of the leaks (several) is for the rack. I saw a leak at the top of the rack where the steering input shaft goes in. This is where the wet area started and then down the side as well. Was dripping off the driver's side lower control arm. They called me yesterday that some of the lines connected to the unit were leaking and are being replaced. I sent them a picture of a rack today with a big arrow pointig at the leak I saw, as I don't see how fluid from a connection from a lower point could migrate uphill to the top of the rack. I'll see what happens.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 GL 320 Bluetec
Okay guys:
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance
I changed my oil over the weekend, well actually two weekends ago, and I found that my steering rack was leaking at the top where the steering shaft enters the rack. Called up my SA at Rahal, and he informed me that there is a service bulletin out on them leaking.
Long story short, they installed a new rack and pump, and the car feels brand new.
Next oil change check your rack for leaks, and get it fixed
It pays to do some of your own maintenance
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario
2017 Mercedes S550, 2015 Mercedes GL350
Well it pays to send a photo when you don't think your explanation is describing the location well enough. The picture with a big arrow pointing to the leak I noticed was not seen by MB. They looked at the car again this morning and have now informed me they see this leak that the rack will be replace. Not that I wanted the rack replaced if it was okay but I don't want to make another trip back. I've asked them to see if they can get rid of the pull to the right too as they will have to align again. I think it may need the camber bolts as one side was a bit close to the maximum allowable setting when I had the alignment done a few weeks back. Don't know why they don't make these with the ability to adjust camber/caster without having to buy extra parts.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario
2017 Mercedes S550, 2015 Mercedes GL350
Just got my GL back with the rack replaced due to the leaks. Seems to have gotten rid of the pull it had to the right. Doesn't really make sense as the only thing I they had to adjust was the toe in after the replacent and the vehicle has been aligned a month ago. Maybe there was some internal play in the rack that was contributing to the toe setting before. Glad to have it back again.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Weslaco,Texas
2023 S500, 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena Coupe, 2012 Ferrari FF
Mine was just replaced a few weeks ago as well (leaking fluid on the garage floor). Good thing I got the ext warranty, as the manufacturer's warranty just expired for my GL. I looked at the screen when they finalized the paperwork, and I looks like the out of pocket cost is ~1600 for the job.
Now if I could only get the ext warranty company to fix the noisy/squeaky bushings on the front. There's a svc bullitten about it, but since it's not technically broken, they won't cover the job until something breaks.
I tell you I'm nearing the end of my rope with this car, as it's been one thing after another. 49k miles and the stack of service records I have for it is getting to be the size of a novel.
Now if I could only get the ext warranty company to fix the noisy/squeaky bushings on the front. There's a svc bullitten about it, but since it's not technically broken, they won't cover the job until something breaks.
I tell you I'm nearing the end of my rope with this car, as it's been one thing after another. 49k miles and the stack of service records I have for it is getting to be the size of a novel.
Last edited by HJZ06; Mar 28, 2012 at 10:26 PM. Reason: Spelling
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
2009 ml 350 84K
Ml 350
Had the same problem at 45000 miles.
No leak on floor. Incidental finding on transmission fluid filter replacement.
I would make the dealer check for a leak before your warranty expires.
No leak on floor. Incidental finding on transmission fluid filter replacement.
I would make the dealer check for a leak before your warranty expires.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
I would expect that as this is such a common problem, they will have to fix it even if the official warranty period has expired.
Yes they will deny responsibility, but provided you are the original owner, then they have duty to correct a known fault.
Yes they will deny responsibility, but provided you are the original owner, then they have duty to correct a known fault.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: cleveland
Pinto
08 GL550 70K MILES RACK AND RESIVOR LEAK SAME TIME
fixed the resivorleak and dealer stated leak also leaking.
sure enough a few days later rack leaking on floor
with 70k what are the chances of getting regional MB rep to cover under technical service bulletin ?
alternatively the rack is 1296 OEM rebuilt. or 500-600 aftermarket plus labor and alignment
sure enough a few days later rack leaking on floor
with 70k what are the chances of getting regional MB rep to cover under technical service bulletin ?
alternatively the rack is 1296 OEM rebuilt. or 500-600 aftermarket plus labor and alignment
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
That's sounds like a new one. You can get a remanufactured unit for a fraction of that price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-GL-...545f3e&vxp=mtr
