JohnEric5

I've looked all throughout the forums and cannot find an answer to this issue. I have a 2008 GL 550 with 46k miles on it. Sometimes, not always, the steering is stiff when parking. Then other times it isn't. So I checked the level and it's ok. I took it to a Mercedes service center and there are no codes and no leaks. He suggested maybe flushing the system and replacing the fluid suggesting that at some point the wrong fluid was used. Not sure if that even makes sense

Any ideas?

Jekudk

Can you tell a bit more how it feels. Mine has issues but feels only stiff for every half turn

cab2u

I had my power steering pump replaced twice in 60k miles. First time it was getting hard to turn. Next time all the fluid leaked out. I'll bet it is the pump.

JohnEric5

I actually have it nailed down. It only gets tight and hard to turn when I'm driving up the three floors of my parking garage. I think all of the turning which makes me think maybe there really is the wrong fluid in the system. Its always right as I get up to my parking spot. It gets very stiff as if there is no power steering.

Any ideas?

JediJD

Whether or not it has had the wrong fluid really isn't the issue. You either aren't getting pressure to the rack or the rack isn't responding. That is either a hose, a valve or a seal. If there aren't leaks, and the pressure and return hose are outwardly in good shape, I'd replace the pump. If it still hangs, rebuild or replace the rack.