Power steering fluid leak
08-14-2015, 09:10 PM
#1
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2008 S63
Power steering fluid leak
Recently I've noticed a leak of my power steering fluid. I have had to add fluid almost every day. The independant mechanic say it's my rack and pinion.
Has anyone had any experience with this? An entire new unit is pretty damn expensive. Can and should these things be rebuilt?
I'm going to take it to mb soon to find out more.
Has anyone had any experience with this? An entire new unit is pretty damn expensive. Can and should these things be rebuilt?
I'm going to take it to mb soon to find out more.
Last edited by Zerocarpileup; 08-14-2015 at 09:12 PM.
08-14-2015, 09:47 PM
#2
There is a rebuild kit but very few dealers will go that way as it requires certain skillet which is not part of the mb tech curriculum.
I am afraid your best option is a rebuild or used rack which is still somewhat expensive.
In th mean time Make sure you are staying on top of adding fluid as if you run low you will destroy the pump and varnish / overheat the lines and the new rack expense will feel like pocket change.
I am afraid your best option is a rebuild or used rack which is still somewhat expensive.
In th mean time Make sure you are staying on top of adding fluid as if you run low you will destroy the pump and varnish / overheat the lines and the new rack expense will feel like pocket change.
08-14-2015, 10:26 PM
#3
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2008 S63
Great advice. Thank you. I'm going for a check up in a few days. The independent mechanic tells me it's leaking around the rubber boots on the passenger side.
08-15-2015, 12:02 AM
#4
Yes. Your end seal is failing. The rebuild kit has new seals among other things. This failure is usually user caused- when maneuvering in tight spaces steering wheel is turned to the end and held there. Puts a lot of pressure on the pump and seals. Never turn and hold steering at end position and your rack will live a long time. Also when parked make sure wheels are centered. Your rack and front suspension bushings will thank you.
Last edited by alx; 08-15-2015 at 12:05 AM.
08-25-2015, 06:12 PM
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1985 500SEC
as you are already aware, this is not a cheap part. I am not sure what year exactly your s550 is but here is an example of a replacement rack. Unfortunately i do not offer a rebuild kit. As mentioned before by alx, do not run your system low on power steering fluid. a lot of the components within the system require the fluid to keep everything nice and cool and can cause a much more expensive repair bill if over heated.
https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/cat...html?3594=2169
https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/cat...html?3594=2169
08-25-2015, 08:29 PM
#6
Super Member
The price from car parts does not seem that outrageous given that this is for an S class. Of course labor to R&R the old rack still has to be added to the total. As a referece point, to replace the streeing rack in a 2005 Toyota Avalon is about $1650 parts and labor. I just had it quoted. I don't know what the labor component is for an MB.
