Bad steering racks on 07-09's

[MRAMG1]

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

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[atwal]

Thanks for sharing, I will definitely check next time crawl under the car.

[EWT]

Mine was replaced at ~50K miles.

[MRAMG1]

I hear you. Mine went out at 44K.

I just wanted everyone to be aware of this, as most people are SOL at 50K.

[blittle]

Originally Posted by MRAMG1

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:

Or at least look under the hood and under the car every now and then.... listen and look..... your vehicle may be trying to tell you something!

[tsanjose]

does anyone know, once repaired, how long does the warranty last for the repair?

[Tommytrojan]

Originally Posted by 2g430

does anyone know, once repaired, how long does the warranty last for the repair?

Mine was replaced yesterday on my 08 GL450 at 56k. It was exact same thing. leaking oil. Feels very good after replace. Don't know how long this would last. Have warranty only till Feb13.

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.

[ddcha]

Can anyone show pictures of what this looks like?

[EWT]

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.

[tsanjose]

i paid $1700 plus $200 for an alignment. im strarting to wonder what exactly did they replace? an over priced seal???

[tsanjose]

anyone?

[BlownV8]

My 2007 had a leak but it was traced back to the actual fluid reservoir.

[CommanderCody]

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.

[Ray_K]

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.

[ShirazAddict]

Originally Posted by MRAMG1

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 have an 09 Bluetec that just hit 45k & yep, its going in tomorrow for the repair. FWIW, if you are wondering whether yours needs replacing, you'll start hearing a bit of a whine/shudder when you are turning, especially in the AM when you first start driving your vehicle. You'll also have a bit of a wet spot/leak under the car.

[Ray_K]

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.

[Ray_K]

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.

[HJZ06]

Originally Posted by CommanderCody

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.

Had all of that and then some. 21 visits to dealer, not counting services A, B, and C. Turned 75K thought it would be more reliable, ordered a Q7.

[cburda]

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.

[iankayem]

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.

[Hfdafhx]

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

[BlownV8]

Originally Posted by Hfdafhx

with 70k what are the chances of getting regional MB rep to cover under technical service bulletin ?

Between 0 and 1%. They will say it is up to the dealer to give you any "goodwill."

[Hfdafhx]

Are the busted racks rebuildable? Any shops that rebuild them?
Any try an aftermarket for 600-700 ?

[Hfdafhx]

Just in spoke with dealer who can rebuild the OEM rack for a total of $1617. ( 1295 labor + 367 parts)

[BlownV8]

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