PS pump install
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
PS pump install
Hey thanks. ..I have 06 c280 4matic. I need to replace power steering pump. The original I have does not have the 4 holes in the pulley. .the aftermarket ones have 4 holes in the pulley and says it is an exact fit. What is the difference between the pulleys? And do I need one without the 4 holes???? Also my Haynes manual says to remove AC compressor in order to remove the PS pump....but is it absolutely necessary? ?? Thanks for any and all input. ...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
Okay...okay...calm down. ..I just thought I'd ask because I've heard that sometimes the Haynes and Chiltons aren't very thorough or accurate sometimes and I've watched some videos about about removing PS pumps on mercedes and they didn't mention anything about removing the AC compressor and they loosened one of the bolts through one of the holes in the pulley . ...and... the sales rep for after market PS pumps said the holes are there to reduce weight...are there any write ups about removal on this site...I know there is a lot of knowledge here. ..thanks for your response. ..I think..and thanks for biting my head off....LOL...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Yeah, the Haynes manual for W203 SUCK! For starters it says to change the oil every 3K miles.
Ha! Yeah at $100 a pop. No, only every 10K miles or so.
Spend the $70 and get the DVD directly from Mercedes.
Call I think it's 1800mercedes and get routed to the literature dept.
Yeah, whats up with Plutoe? Guess he's still mad about it not being a planet anymore.
No whiny little babies around here! Bwa haaaha.
I would ask an indy mechanic that specializes in MB.
I needed brake booster, DVD showed complete disconnection of all brake likes to get to it.
Figured too much for me to deal with because of that.
Mechanic did NOT disconnect sheet, worked around it, and I got billed $600 in labor.
Ha! Yeah at $100 a pop. No, only every 10K miles or so.
Spend the $70 and get the DVD directly from Mercedes.
Call I think it's 1800mercedes and get routed to the literature dept.
Yeah, whats up with Plutoe? Guess he's still mad about it not being a planet anymore.
No whiny little babies around here! Bwa haaaha.
I would ask an indy mechanic that specializes in MB.
I needed brake booster, DVD showed complete disconnection of all brake likes to get to it.
Figured too much for me to deal with because of that.
Mechanic did NOT disconnect sheet, worked around it, and I got billed $600 in labor.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jul 7, 2016 at 02:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
Yea. That's too bad dude got to respond like that... issues man issues. I'm just trying to get as much information about the procedure before I tear into it. .. I like these sites and I know that there is a lot of real life experience from members in the field and I have learned from them. If there are any more tips or techniques about PS pump install ...I certainly appreciate it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
PS pump
I replaced the tensioner and the two idler pullies and the belt and still have a whining. But the car turns just fine. No typical PS pump failure symptoms. I took belt off and spin the pullies back and forth. The alt, AC, water pump all spin smoothly with no play or restriction. The PS pully spins relatively smooth as well, but has some slight, but noticeable excess movement and tapping like it's hitting something inside when I spin it back and forth. I put the stethoscope on it but to me it was inconclusive; I could not discern with certainty that it was the PS pump.and the whining noise does emanate from the PS pump area. But the car turns just fine from lock to lock. So is this movement/sound in the pully normal for power steering pump pullies??? And there is a big dollar difference between various pumps! I've seen them from $100 to over $400 new!! Is there that much difference between them??? Any recommendations or ones to avoid.. Thanks for listening and responding..
Last edited by norteno; Aug 27, 2016 at 11:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
car has been in storage for the winter. last week I put in new PS reservoir and refilled and bled and still it still whines. I don't want to just replace everything and use the old process of elimination. I will, however, put a new pump in now. Funny thing there is no visible leak, the car turns fine lock to lock, I even took the belt completely off and ran engine for approx. 10-15 seconds and it was as quiet as can be. I've done plenty research and car does not display any other symptoms of PS pump failure. I did however notice some buildup/sludge on the front camshaft head cover... what could it be? I read that the C clip was difficult to remove and re-install, but I used a plain old flat blade screw driver and gently pried it halfway out and then just pulled it out with my fingers and used the same screwdriver to push it in again about halfway and then pushed it back in with my fingers, worked just fine for me. I also hear that the one screw/bolt behind the pump is a ***** to get to. I will find out and post it here.
Last edited by norteno; Feb 5, 2017 at 01:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
car is in winter storage. I replaced reservoir and refilled and bled per MB instructions and still it whines, but turns just fine like before. I even took the belt completely off and ran engine for appox 10-15 seconds and it was as quiet as can be.... I hate to just replace everything and use the old process of elimination and hope I finally get it... but I guess I have to install a new pump. there are no typical PS pump symptoms of impending failure, however, I have noticed some wetness/oily sludge buildup around the front camshaft head cover in close proximity of the pump/reservoir assembly. Could this be related and the cause of the whine???? a gradual loss of fluid? The reservoir is full according to the dipstick. any input would be greatly appreciated. even from Plutoe if you can hold your smart mouth.. we're supposed to help each other here I thought... not get all upset and bent out of shape, am I wrong??? 
....LOL..thanks!
....LOL..thanks!
Last edited by norteno; Feb 5, 2017 at 01:53 AM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 2
From: North Minneapolis
2008 C350 sport
I finally installed new pump, new reservoir, new reservoir seal, new crush washers, everything installed correctly and fitted perfectly. ...added new MB PS fluid....I didn't even start to bleed or fill it completely and I noticed a drip where the reservoir goes into the pump. This "port" on the new pump is different than the original I took off....I hope the pictures show up. ...everyplace I checked for new PS pumps had the same port where the reservoir slides onto... they all said that was the right part....so what could it be ?? You can see the original pump has a recess where the seal sits. The new pump does not have the same recess. I put the new seal on the new pump and it seems like it isn't sit right. . It slides back and forth and not set in place. ..all the companies sell the same one and it's what the part number calls for...help me out here. MB forum....
Last edited by norteno; Feb 16, 2017 at 11:01 PM. Reason: to add text
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