mleskovar

A rebuilt pump is about $50 less than a rebuilt rack. I'm guessing the pump is easier to install but haven't done either. When guessing I usually go with the lower cost and easier to install part. And everyone guesses on some repairs...even the dealers. Pump. Let us know how it goes.

x.x-shannon-x.x

Hi has any one else found out what this problem is as i have the same thing everything that he has said mine is doing the same thing thanks alot Shannon

tommy

it really sounds like the rack and power steering pump. I had both replaced a month ago, when experiencing the same kickback issues as JC.

Ever since, it's been like buttah.

Glyn M Ruck

shannons car has a leak. This was first posted on the W204 forum & his reservior was empty. Might be the loose banjo bolt recall.

x.x-shannon-x.x

The only thing i have seen leaking is at at the back of the car on the right,it has a black pipe that hangs like 8mm rubber tube any help there ?

Glyn M Ruck

Fuel tank overflow (after EECS) or diff remote breather? I don't think US models dump fuel overflow to ground but to engine inlet system. Where are you? C200 is not US.

Where did your PS fluid go?

x.x-shannon-x.x

Hiya again I got my self the right power steering fluid from mercedes today filled it to the max level,got it put on axel stands steering all the way left and all the way right...

But still the same,but when turning full lock i get a grinding noise sounds like its coming from the power steering pump then when pulling the other way it stops till i get to full lock again,there is a pipe that comes off the powersteering filling tank and when turning goes really hard then lets off dont no if this is normal,but what could this be still ??

jcnash

So I finally had a chance to look into this issue.

A buddy and I hoisted the car up and examined it. My buddy is in the car turning the steering wheel, and this video is of the section where the steering shaft meets the pinion/rack.

Notice that the rod seems bent from the way it rotates. I want to know if this is NORMAL (how it was designed) or if the shaft has actually been bent..

Ignore the last bit where I freak out about the fluid leak...my buddy was turning the steering wheel without any power assist, so the pressure caused the fluid to blow the top off the reservoir and leak...no biggie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o69KEC0BGA0

Thanks for the help guys!

mleskovar

[QUOTE=jcnash;4704560]...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o69KEC0BGA0...QUOTE]

Too much work to jack up the car and remove the bottom pan to see but....is that U joint frozen? I may be wrong but I don't believe turning the wheel with the motor off should cause the fluid to back up through the reservoir. I've done that before and didn't have that problem. Maybe I didn't turn it enough?

jcnash

[QUOTE=mleskovar;4704880]Nope the overflowing PS fluid is common. Ive seen it happen on other cars too...but it does take a significant amount of steering to get enough pressure built up to cause it.

We were just messing about trying to figure out this bent shaft issue, so did quite a bit of steering without the motor on.

jcnash

Anyone else seen this on their cars while dealing with steering issues? Does the shaft always wobble like that while turning the wheel?

mleskovar

If you grab that shaft and move it by hand does the U joint work on all planes?

jcnash

Yep it does. Doesnt seem to be an issue with the Universal joint.

Any other suggestions steering experts??

wruggie

Same problem...... Anyone......

wruggie

I Just put a new rack in. Problem resolved.

ncmudbug

[quote=mleskovar;4704880]Am I the only one who thinks it looks like the steering shaft is bent? At about 10 sec. when you focus on the upper part of the shaft, it wobbles where I guess it's going into the firewall. I've never looked at mine so maybe it's supposed to do that, but it doesn't seem right to me. Just a thought...

wruggie

The shaft is eccentric

ncmudbug

We all have our quirks!

Yeah, I couldn't figure out how it could have gotten bent in the first place. It just seemed odd. Thanks for setting me straight.

jcnash

Thanks Garth.

Im going to do the same...and Im goinna DIY it. Ill give you a call once I pick up the rack to try and figure out the process....

wruggie

No problem. Just to give you a follow up. Someone know something we dont. The rack fixed the problem. However 30 miles later the pump began to act up. It's working fine again now however last night there was no power steering. I will be replacing it just because now

jcnash

A new rack fixed this problem for me as well!

I was shocked at how easy replacing a rack is on these cars...back to steering as smooth as buttah for me.

Glyn M Ruck

Must have had a leaking valve in the rack.

jcnash

^ yep. Im going to have the original rack re-built and its going into the hot-rod thats takign shape in my garage

Javvy

jc......check out http://www.rackdoctor.net/..very reliable and good vendor. I have used him.....a solo guy who does rebuilds..if the price is right I would say go with him.

here is a link to his actual product....for $220 it would be a simple plug and play...

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/2001-2002...1995-25657.htm

Hope this helps...

javvy

protivakid

Having the same exact problem in my Dodge... (Pause for boo's from the MB community haha) SRT-4 and this is the only forum I can find with people describing the issue exactly as mine is. The OP nailed it in his description and mine also started after I did my LCA bushings. I suspected a steering rack and with 3 of 3 people in here saying it fixed their issue it looks like I will be ordering one for my car. OEM wants $450+ but did you guys go with a reman?