TK32

My 2002 C32 AMG (w/30k miles) is making steering pump noises the first few minutes after starting in the morning when I make turns. The first thing I want to check is the power steering fluid level, but.....I can't find the reservoir! Where did they hide it on this car? And, do you know if the computer on this car will give a warning if it is low, like it does for oil? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

- TK

KompressorKev

is it a groaning sound from the front of the car when you cold start the car? i have that problem too and it's annoying. i should probably get an estimate.

gswc32

I had the same problem and the service tech just added some fluid.

Bif powell

Couple TSB that might cause a leak:

Steering - Leaks at Line/Rack Housing Connection

Date: April 7, 2004

Order No.: P-B-46.20/16

Supersedes:

Group: 46
SUBJECT:
Model 203.040/061/064/065/081/084/261/264/281/284/740/764

Model 209.365/375/376/465/475/476

Model 211.065/070/076/082/083/265/282/283

Leaks at the Internal Steering Lines of the Control Head Connection and/or Steering Gear Housing

In the above model vehicles if you experience leakage at the steering line connection, replacement of the entire rack and pinion system is not required. You may now replace the 0-rings, which are available as separate parts for repairs of the affected steering line.

In cases of leakage from the internal steering lines between the control head and the steering gear housing, please proceed as follows.
1. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle as described in the following documents.

203 4-Matic AR46.20-P-0600PW
All other 203/209 variants AR46.20-P-0600P
211 4-Matic AR46.20-P-0600IW
All other 211 variants AR46.20-P-0600T


2. Mount the steering gear to the steering gear housing support (Figure 1 for 203/209 and Figure 2 for 211). Before starting the repair, clean any loose contamination from the steering gear and maintain cleanliness throughout the repair process.

3. Unscrew the internal line from the control head and the steering gear housing. Refer to WIS document BA46.20-P-1010-01F

4. Seal the internal lines from the control head to the steering gear housing with the repair kit 0-rings. All seals must be replaced.

5. Reinstall the steering gear as described in the documents listed under step 1 above.

Bif powell

Steering Rack - Connector Leaks

Date: February 24, 2003

Order No.: P-B-46.20/10

Supersedes:

Group: 46
SUBJECT:
Model 203, 209, 211 and 230

Leak at Steering Rack Connection

If you encounter leakage at the steering rack connection in the above models, the cause may be damage to the sealing ring of the hydraulic lines. In such instances, replacement of the rack will not resolve the situation.



To resolve, replace the sealing ring at the steering gear connection. Refer to complete work instructions including torque values in WIS document AF46.20-P-4044AU.

KompressorKev

sounds like it could be expensive repair? i'm out of warranty...hopefully it just involves topping off some fluid. that sound annoys me.

TK32

Yeah, that sounds like it. I too am out of warranty recently and hope it's just a fluid top-off. I still don't know where the fluid reservoir is, however...

c32used

Hey Bif does theses TSBs cover cars out of warranty? Sorry for the noob question..even though I feel the answer is yes...at the moment its sound only no leaks at all....res. fluid shows full and steering seems fine.

02C32guy

It's on the front driver side corner of the engine. I forget without looking at it, but I think you need to remove the driver side air intake tube and maybe the airbox too.