Leej

About a month ago, the high pressure power steering hose on my 2004 E320 W211 (sedan, rear wheel drive) developed a pin hole leak (fluid would shoot out when turning). I had a local shop replace the hose, but now I have a leak where the hose connects to the rack (I have used this shop for years and I do trust them to do good work). I'm not sure if they messed something up, regardless that it where it is leaking. I have taken it back to them, and they said they had hoped to just replace the o-rings, but they said there aren't any, and the have suggested replacing the whole rack (expensive)... However, they can't seem to find an rack (other than aftermarket)

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Also, anyone know of a good source for a rack (the indy shop will let me bring my own parts). Any thoughts on aftermarket?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

Lee

konigstiger

Seems the shop did everything right thus far (see line 16 in attachment) provide VIN I’ll pull compatible part #s to shop used/new.

drchpeteros

I had what sounds like a similar problem About 10 years ago years ago (2009 e350 4matic wagon). The power steering over a period of a few days simply faded away until was very difficult to steer. When I brought it to the shop my indy Told me there was a nick in a seal which was allowing the fluid to leak out. He simply replaced the seal and all has been fine sense. I wish I could remember precisely which seal it was, but the seal was all he had to replace.

Leej

@drchpeteros Thanks for the info. I keep thinking there must be a seal in there that could be replaced. Also, it wasn't leaking there before the hose was replaced, so I'm wondering if the seal got messed up when they were replacing it, or is there some other trash at the connection. I kind of surprised that my indy isn't trying to do more to try and diagnose or find a rack; they have basically told me to see if I can find a rack and they will put it in. I'm wondering if its time to try a new shop... At this point, I'm going to call around and get a second opinion.

konigstiger

Misread shop claims there are no seals (thought they replaced seals) again, see line 16 of attachment I posted.

Leej

@konigstiger THANKS for the advice. I spoke to the local shop again, and they are saying that there is a seal on the rack, but they said it is a one time use "like some GM seals"??? I'm not sure about that? I'll do some searching online. Any advice appreciated. THANKS.

konigstiger

See attached bulletin.