Dad's ML350

12-09-2005 | 04:29 PM

#1

Scorpius

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 828

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From: Fort Washington, PA

Acura 3.2 CL Type S

Dad's ML350

Dad's poor ML350 dumped its power steering fluid everywhere... It was fixed under warranty last week and there have been no problems as of yet. Has this happened to anyone? I got bored and followed the trail of fluit to a point int he road where there is a slight bump. It is impossible to do more than 30 on these streets, so he couldn't have hit it hard. My guess something became progressively loose and eventually popped off.
Is this a common issue for the ML350?

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12-09-2005 | 05:59 PM

#2

BiTurboV12 AMG

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Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 364

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From: AZ

02 ML320, 06 E350

A recall was posted on this problem. I had mine fixed under the recall then a few months later it failed, i still have doubt if they have really fixed the problem. but to answer your question this has happened to many people.

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12-10-2005 | 11:00 PM

#3

Scorpius

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Fort Washington, PA

Acura 3.2 CL Type S

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiTurboV12 AMG

A recall was posted on this problem. I had mine fixed under the recall then a few months later it failed, i still have doubt if they have really fixed the problem. but to answer your question this has happened to many people.

where is the information on the recall? Nowmally I keep up on all the car stuff in the family... But I sort of moved out.

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12-11-2005 | 05:31 AM

#4

Wintermute

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Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 61

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500SEC, ML430, SLK230, S600

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpius

where is the information on the recall? Nowmally I keep up on all the car stuff in the family... But I sort of moved out.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Quote:

Make: MERCEDES BENZ
Model: M CLASS
Type: PASSENGER CAR
Year: 1998
Recall Number: 03V121000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.
Consequence:
THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Notes:
MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003-040005. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

The recall affected virtually every W163 M-Class, from 1998 to 2005. Even the new W164 M-Class has a similar recall, NHTSA campaign 05V224000.

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12-11-2005 | 02:13 PM

#5

Ronin007

Junior Member

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 36

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From: Western NY

2001 ML320, 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4

Be aware that it is not just the clamps coming lose, but also that the hoses fail as well. We had the lower hose rupture. Had it repaired and inspected by the MB dealer only to have the upper hose blow off. Need to have a discussion with the dealer on that one!! So beware!!!