Following is a summary of the often-neglected maintenance items on M-B automobiles.


Power Steering fluid and filter change


M-B service called out for the power steering (PS) system usually consists of simply checking and topping up the fluid level. No mention is made in M-B maintenance documents to change the fluid or the filter. (M-B did away with the PS filter as a cost saving measure in late 1999). The power steering on your Mercedes Benz is a simple hydraulic system that uses automatic transmission fluid or M-B special PS fluid. As the miles go by, the fluid becomes contaminated with wear metals, moisture and dirt. In my experience, earlier models with a PS filter in the reservoir seem to have fewer problems with the PS system than the newer models without this important feature. The filter part # for these earlier systems is 000 466 16 04 – (about the size of a hockey puck).
Fluid and filter change is relatively easy – I use a “feed and bleed” technique which involves running the engine to pump fluid through the system into a container while pouring new fluid into the reservoir. When new clean fluid emerges from the drain hose, shut off the engine, install a new filter, and top up the fluid level – you’re done.