2005 CLK320 cabriolet with power steering noise

Oct 11, 2012 | 08:20 AM

sleepy hollow

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2005 CLK320 Cabriolet

2005 CLK320 cabriolet with power steering noise

Car has about 60K miles.

I tried to find the reservoir but could not locate. Owner's manual says bring it to the dealer. Arg!

It has more of a low pitched growl to it, as opposed to a higher pitched whine. Also a slight vibration that I can feel in the wheel as I turn it.

I am pretty handy, have done quite a few major repairs, but never changed a steering rack.

Suggestions on how to diagnose or am I stuck heading to the dealer to help him pay his mortgage?

Thanks.

Last edited by sleepy hollow; Oct 11, 2012 at 08:22 AM. Reason: typo

Oct 11, 2012 | 09:00 AM

Glyn M Ruck

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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa

late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires

The reservoir is below the RH air inlet pipe. Pull off pipe to access. Make sure fluid level is correct before doing anything. Does it make more noise at full lock?

Oct 15, 2012 | 10:21 AM

sleepy hollow

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2005 CLK320 Cabriolet

Thanks so much for your post. Stupid me, I did not bother to look for it, but believed the manual.

Well I had to bring it to the dealer for service anyway, and he informed me that it was the water pump.

Also, they tell me the valve cover is leaking profusely. Neither of these speaks well for the vaunted Mercedes engineering.

Is this normal for a car that only has 63K on it?

Oct 15, 2012 | 11:05 PM

Rudeney

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NO LONGER ACTIVE

There seems to be a rash of water pump failures lately. It's not a common problem, but it does happen like with any mechanical part. On the valve cover gaskets, yes, they tend to leak as mileage increases. It's usually not a problem with the gasket, but the breather covers and hoses get clogged and pressure builds in the crank case so the oil has to go somewhere. While just cleaning the breather covers might work, it's really not such a bad job to replace the gaskets and clean everything well. I can do it in a few hours, and the parts are about $30. Oh, and use genuine MBZ gaskets - the Victor Reinz gaskets are too small and will leak from day one.

Oct 16, 2012 | 08:41 AM

sleepy hollow

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2005 CLK320 Cabriolet

Thanks for your follow up.

Now they tell me that my front bearings need to be replaced.

This is something I believe I can do myself. Appreciate any thoughts you might have. They want $600 to do them.