Incendiary

Hi all, I've noticed a groaning noise on my '05 E320 4matic lately when I'm turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as when I'm either entering or exiting a parking spot. I did a search and plan to try the following:

1. checking power steering fluid level (if low, I imagine I simply buy some fluid from the MB dealer - or can I get any brand at the local auto parts store? - and poor some into the reservoir until it's at an appropriate level, as when topping off motor oil?)

2. turn steering wheel from side to side a few times to try and get any air out of the system (never heard of this, but read it in one of the threads...)

3. something about Lubrizol, but I honestly don't even know where I'd get some or what I'd lube if I found some...

I think people have had this problem before. Did it end up being worn ball joints or a simpler issue a complete novice, such as myself, can fix (adding PS fluid, for example)?

TIA!

Barry45RPM

I had it in an 04. It needed P.S. Fluid topped off.

AMGTTV8

I've got it too...it's been a low whine since I got the car but has progressively gotten worse

konigstiger

You may want to give your dealer a call (have your VIN handy) to see if your vehicle is included in this campaign to replace the transfer case https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....1&postcount=86

Incendiary

Thanks for the info. If I am included in the campaign, do you know if the dealer would honor it even if I'm out of warranty?

konigstiger

Yes, Recalls and Service Campaigns do not expire therefore MBUSA pays for the repair even out of warranty.

cyclrder

transfer case......hope you are under warranty.. mine was replaced at 24K

bestoverall

I have the exact same issue and the dealer replaced the transfer case and the noise is gone now. The recall is honored regardless of warranty coverage.

Incendiary

Okay, so I haven't gotten a chance to call the dealership to see if my car falls under that TSB yet. I still plan to, but first I'd like to check to see if the PS fluid is low. If so, I'd like to top it off with some Pentosin 11S fluid (hopefully my local Advance Auto Parts has some in stock). I did a search and it appears the PS reservoir is underneath the engine's plastic housing. Can someone help me out and tell me how to remove and replace this housing? Do I unscrew anything? Or is it a simple, brute force, rip it off and snap it back into place deal?

Thanks!

Incendiary

I just realized that I have the extended factory warranty, which is good until 100k miles or... 6 years? 7 years? Can't remember.

I don't have the policy information in front of me. Does anyone know if this issue with the groaning noise is covered? I would think so, but they are called stealerships for a reason...

Untertürkheim

If you have the extended warranty, everything is covered. Just bring it in, although all they will probably do is top it off.

Incendiary

Okay, so the stealership says no leak, no broken parts, nothing needs to be replaced, but that my 4 year old, 50k mile car needs a power steering fluid flush for $155. This flush is not included in the regular maintenance services, however.

I've heard mostly that this type of service is unnecessary except to part fools and their money. People agree, disagree? Should I go for it? I'm inclined to have my local indy shop top off the fluid for me and see if that resolves the issue.

iBenz

I had my transfer case replaced twice already on my 04 E320 4Matic. Everything is good for the first 6-8 months and it starts happening again. Am having the same issue right now. I still have warranty on the transfer case part only. Could there be something else involved damaging the transfer case?

Any help would be appreciated.

konigstiger

Check your email.