just learned the container that holds the fluid has a screen in it.so you replace the whole thing. how do you do this without making a mess.

 

What "whole thing" exactly are you replacing?
The fluid or the power steering box or both?

 

the reservoir.

 

I was able to suck out most of the fluid - very little spilled out of the rear port. Be careful when reinstalling. The gasket at the rear port can get pinched and will leak. Mine had a small leak and that gasket had to be reseated.

 

I assume you have a W210 since you posted in this forum - standard suspension.

1. Order in the replacement Reservoir MB# 000-4600-183 - and if not included with the reservoir you will also need new o-ring MB# 000-466-18-80 . Lemfoerder is good - reference Amazon link below. Once you have the replacement in-hand you will understand better:


2. Use "turkey baster" to remove as much fluid as possible - then put rag underneath the reservoir for any seepage

3. Referencing the Amazon photo - you will remove the small rear hose - remove the front facing bolt(s) - then last there is a "C-Clip" that is holding the larger bottom outlet that needs to be pulled. Once disconnected the reservoir pulls free.

4. Remove "old" o-ring on bottom outlet - wiper that area clean - install new o-ring - then install new reservoir using reverse order.

5. If you are replacing reservoir due to seepage/leakage the new o-ring will take care of that

6. If you are installing new reservoir to reduce/eliminate "steering groan" - or to avoid new "groans" please understand those groans are caused by air that has been pushed under pressure into the steering rack system - to eliminate this you will be doing a steering fluid "refill and exchange" and you need to take care and patience with this to get the job done that you want.

A. I recommend Lubrizol Mercedes Power Steering Additive - some MB dealers have it in stock - if not do a internet search - see autohausaz link below

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/111674...caAkZKEALw_wcB

B. "Original" W210 power steering fluid was/is "non-synthetic - get 3 "qts"

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/Q1460001

C. To "flush" old fluid. and air. out of the system - DO NOT TURN ENGINE ON - 1ST PART IS DONE ENGINE OFF WITH MANUAL BACK/FORTH STEERING WHEEL
TURNING (and you will get "tired" 1of that).
Add Lubrizol 1/2 way thru the process : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yv7777NAG1e8oM

 

When I bled the system, I jacked the front up - turning the steering lock-to-lock many times was easy.