Turn the wheel then BOOM. ABC fluid flushed out... HELP! PICS
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From: Toronto
V12TT
Turn the wheel then BOOM. ABC fluid flushed out... HELP! PICS
This morning the power steering was making moaning noises so I checked the fluid level it was bone dry. I topped it up this and went to work. On my way home it started making the same noise. Checked the level, dry again. Topped it up and started it in my garage, turned the wheel then BOOM. I started hearing liquid hit the ground really fast like if someone flushed a toilet. I shut off the car immediately, jack it up and see a pool of pentosin oil underneath.
I checked the pump it looks fine. ABC fluid fine, car still rises up etc. Power steering is gone. I can't see any leaks in any lines from underneath or under the hood.
What could it be? Where is it leaking from?
I checked the pump it looks fine. ABC fluid fine, car still rises up etc. Power steering is gone. I can't see any leaks in any lines from underneath or under the hood.
What could it be? Where is it leaking from?
Last edited by benz_addict; Jan 7, 2010 at 09:48 PM.
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
how are you assuming it is ABC fluid. This is clearly power steering issue. Could be leaking anywhere, from the rack? lots of places man. Sounds like because you let it go you will need a new power steering pump at the minimum and maybe a new rack... looking at maybe $2000 in parts. Hopefully just the pump...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
how are you assuming it is ABC fluid. This is clearly power steering issue. Could be leaking anywhere, from the rack? lots of places man. Sounds like because you let it go you will need a new power steering pump at the minimum and maybe a new rack... looking at maybe $2000 in parts. Hopefully just the pump...
ABC and Power Steering use the same pump.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
This morning the power steering was making moaning noises so I checked the fluid level it was bone dry. I topped it up this and went to work. On my way home it started making the same noise. Checked the level, dry again. Topped it up and started it in my garage, turned the wheel then BOOM. I started hearing liquid hit the ground really fast like if someone flushed a toilet. I shut off the car immediately, jack it up and see a pool of pentosin oil underneath.
I checked the pump it looks fine. ABC fluid fine, car still rises up etc. Power steering is gone. I can't see any leaks in any lines from underneath or under the hood.
What could it be? Where is it leaking from?
I checked the pump it looks fine. ABC fluid fine, car still rises up etc. Power steering is gone. I can't see any leaks in any lines from underneath or under the hood.
What could it be? Where is it leaking from?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Toronto
V12TT
The CL is at 112k miles.
Yeah I think a hose blew that connects to the rack. When ever I turn the car on it starts spitting out the fluid underneath and when I turn it off it stops. It's at the dealership now I will hear back from them on Monday. I just hope I don't need a new pump that would be $$$
Yeah I think a hose blew that connects to the rack. When ever I turn the car on it starts spitting out the fluid underneath and when I turn it off it stops. It's at the dealership now I will hear back from them on Monday. I just hope I don't need a new pump that would be $$$
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
You probably had a split on the hose. When you turn the wheel, the pressure increased causing the split to blow, I am guessing.
It's sad to say this but you were "lucky" that it lasted 112K miles before it blew. Anyway, good luck with the outcome.
If you could follow up with the result, I am sure it would benefit some of us. TIA.
It's sad to say this but you were "lucky" that it lasted 112K miles before it blew. Anyway, good luck with the outcome.
If you could follow up with the result, I am sure it would benefit some of us. TIA.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Do not drive without fluid in the reservoir or with the line damaged. If you make the power steering pump fail, you also wipe out the ABC pump since they are one pump. Have the car towed or fix the line that broke before you start or drive the car. The pump is hella expensive to replace!
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Toronto
V12TT
Steering rack is gone. ABC pump ran dry and is gone too. Both front struts are leaking and need to be replaced. Needs ABC fill+rodeo+flush+fill. Dealer is asking total of $11,000+ taxes (CAD). lol.
To those looking to buy a CL55 without warranty, think twice.
To those looking to buy a CL55 without warranty, think twice.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
Another member got a quote from local salvage yard for over a month ago. I can ask him for you if you'd like. His quote:
"I just received an email from a local salvage yard:
$400 shipped + 3 month warrenty on a used pump."
I also see new pump sold on ebay for cheaper than dealer's price
"I just received an email from a local salvage yard:
$400 shipped + 3 month warrenty on a used pump."
I also see new pump sold on ebay for cheaper than dealer's price
Last edited by SLCL; Jan 12, 2010 at 07:51 AM.
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From: Brooklyn
02 S500 Sport
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From: Toronto
V12TT
I tried pressuring them to cover it but apparently they said it only covers the drive train so if pistons go or the transmission gets seized then they step in. Bull ****.
Good news is I've managed to find all the parts really cheap and I already know a cert. MB tech to do the work. I still have to break my arm though.
Good news is I've managed to find all the parts really cheap and I already know a cert. MB tech to do the work. I still have to break my arm though.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Brooklyn
02 S500 Sport
I tried pressuring them to cover it but apparently they said it only covers the drive train so if pistons go or the transmission gets seized then they step in. Bull ****.
Good news is I've managed to find all the parts really cheap and I already know a cert. MB tech to do the work. I still have to break my arm though.
Good news is I've managed to find all the parts really cheap and I already know a cert. MB tech to do the work. I still have to break my arm though.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12
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From: Peoria, Arizona
2003 cl55 amg , 2007 BMW 750 IL , 94 Viper RT , 2003 Ford F-350 7.3 ,
Another member got a quote from local salvage yard for over a month ago. I can ask him for you if you'd like. His quote:
"I just received an email from a local salvage yard:
$400 shipped + 3 month warrenty on a used pump."
I also see new pump sold on ebay for cheaper than dealer's price
"I just received an email from a local salvage yard:
$400 shipped + 3 month warrenty on a used pump."
I also see new pump sold on ebay for cheaper than dealer's price
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Toronto
V12TT
It's alright for now. Parked the car in the garage and swapped steering racks with a refurbished one ($800). Flushed steering fluid and all is good.
The problem was a huge crack formed on top of the steering rack that's where it was pissin out fluid like crazy. This happened at 115k miles on my car.
ABC is working well but car bounces from time to time on the drivers side.
The problem was a huge crack formed on top of the steering rack that's where it was pissin out fluid like crazy. This happened at 115k miles on my car.
ABC is working well but car bounces from time to time on the drivers side.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12
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From: Peoria, Arizona
2003 cl55 amg , 2007 BMW 750 IL , 94 Viper RT , 2003 Ford F-350 7.3 ,
It's alright for now. Parked the car in the garage and swapped steering racks with a refurbished one ($800). Flushed steering fluid and all is good.
The problem was a huge crack formed on top of the steering rack that's where it was pissin out fluid like crazy. This happened at 115k miles on my car.
ABC is working well but car bounces from time to time on the drivers side.
The problem was a huge crack formed on top of the steering rack that's where it was pissin out fluid like crazy. This happened at 115k miles on my car.
ABC is working well but car bounces from time to time on the drivers side.
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From: Long Island, NY & SE England
A Mercedes obviously!
It is stories that like that allow me to sleep at night with my warranty.
As you're in the UK you're not going to have the same options as us in the US. The Chrysler warranty is a popular one here, it is a very comprehensive exclusionary policy that doesn't break the bank. I paid $3220 for 5yrs/75k miles with a $200 excess on my S600.
As you're in the UK you're not going to have the same options as us in the US. The Chrysler warranty is a popular one here, it is a very comprehensive exclusionary policy that doesn't break the bank. I paid $3220 for 5yrs/75k miles with a $200 excess on my S600.
