TennisGuy

Hi Everyone,

I need a little help. I'm trying to locate the power steering pump in my 99 ML 320. Due to a slow leak and resulting noise, I was told the pump and the reservoir may need replacing, however, I read the hoses and the o-ring should first be checked for leaks before replacing these parts. I replenished the reservoir then checked it and the hoses and found no leaks in them, but I'm not sure where the pump is located. Since the quoted price to replace the pump alone is over $1000.00, I would like to make sure the entire unit needs replacing before moving forward. Also, though I have done some work on this vehicle myself (for example changing brakes), is replacing the power steering pump an endeavor that should be left to the pros?

Thanks.

TennisGuy

lkchris

The reservoir is integral with the pump.

If not, following the hose from the bottom side of the reservoir.

sLickfITY

bump. i also would like to know as well. my power steering pump is leaking and makin a high pitch noise. although i will be the one who will be doing the work.

angeleye328i

Hope this help you located the power steering pump and its hose. You just need to follow the hose and it will lead to small clip that need to be replace if you having a small leak..

sLickfITY

nice. what are the chances of having to replace the whole unit? is it common that the power steering has problems like that?

angeleye328i

Its very common, if you let it run dry. Most people don't bother to check their PS pump until they start to hear whining sound coming from the engine bay. By then its too late. If you catch it early it could be that the clips came off or that the gasket around the PS pump is leaking which can be replace for under $10. Cost to replace the pump range from $600-1200, labor not included.

ml320_2001

I would check for the Recalls
I lost the PowerSteering recently as the Fluid gushed out .
Took it to the Dealer and they said it has already been taken care of 2 years back and I asked them see what you find out and they called me back saying yes it is covered and did not have to pay anything .
Also they mailed a check back for my Towing bill

TennisGuy

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the information. I actually checked the pump and the reservoir and could not find a leak. I then checked under the car and located what seems to be the leaking part. My problem now is I don't know what the part is. Can someone take a look at this photo and tell me if this looks familiar?

rgcw1021

I have a 2002 ML320 & I noticed the fluid in the power steering pump is at min 20 degrees celcius. Does anyone know what my fluid level should be at?

Thanks

straightSIX

Thats the steering rack.

TennisGuy

Thanks again for the info.

TennisGuy

Do leaks in this area normally require replacement of the entire rack or are there internal parts that can wear out and simply need to be replaced? I would imagine replacing the entire unit would be expensive.

angeleye328i

You don't have to replace the rack. I had the same small leak from that area. All you need to do is retighten the nut and that should fix your problem.

TennisGuy

Hi Angeleye328i,

Thanks a million (probably more like a few thousand I would have been charged to replace the entire rack). Since the nuts are unique, do I have to purchase a special tool from my MB dealer to tighten them or can they be purchased elsewhere? Do you happen to know the part number for the tool?

TennisGuy

A quick update: I tightened the screw and the leak stopped. Thanks for all the info.

ml320_2001

Which Nut Did you re-tighten ? Please Share.Thanks

imwalkin

does anyone have the part number for the updated hose/gasket for us with leaks??? thanks

Newzchspy

FYI, they just replaced mine on the ML 55 (2001) under a factory recall warranty. Pump and lines.

pc820

I would check the hose at the dealer. The power steering hose was recalled. Call the dealer and give them your VIN and they'll fix it for free if it applies to that model

chickenpipe

We just received a recall notice from MBNA covering change of the ps hose clamp and hose. Our dealer said this applies even if the hose was previously changed under the earlier MBNA voluntary recall. This recall appears to be mandated by the NSTA as the letter mentions potential penalties to MBNA if not completed in 60 days. The letter says that leaks could also damage the power steering pump, so I suspect MBNA would also change a noisy pump with a little polite nudge.

The safety recall is 2003-040005.

Good luck to all.

regards,

John McDonnell 2000 ML430