Yet Another Power Steering Thread
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
Yet Another Power Steering Thread
Hello all,
I need to replace the reservoir for my power steering on my 1999 ML430 and I have no idea what all needs to be done, or is it worth it for me to let the $tealership charge me $220 in labor to do it...
anyone done this before?
Thanks in advance!
-Erik
I need to replace the reservoir for my power steering on my 1999 ML430 and I have no idea what all needs to be done, or is it worth it for me to let the $tealership charge me $220 in labor to do it...
anyone done this before?
Thanks in advance!
-Erik
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA
i ride a bicycle
it is fairly easy, given that you've got the right tools, and can be a bit messy to do at home.
you'll need to removed the c-clip on the back of the reservoir where it connects to the pump. lever it off with a screwdriver or a pick of some kind.
then, remove the screw on the front of the reservoir, its either an E10 or E12 torx screw. then, depending on how tight it is, it will either slide forward away from the pump, or you may have to use a prybar or large screw driver to lever it forward.
replace the seal at the rear, next to where the c-clip was, lube it with a little power steering fluid so it slides on easier, and slide the new reservoir on. reinstall the screw, reinstall the c-clip.
i would only advise attempting this if you've quite a bit of arm and hand strength or someone assisting who does.
but it's by no means impossible; i weigh 140 lbs soaking wet and i've done it at least 10 times without any trouble.
after the new reservoir is installed, fill it with fluid, start the engine for a couple seconds and shut it off. recheck the fluid level, correct if necessary, and start the engine again. the system bleeds itself as you turn the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock a few times. it will whine quite a bit at first, but will quiet down after the air is out. recheck the fluid, go and drive it, recheck the fluid level and final time, and you're done. i forgot to include the part about cleaning up the mess, but i'm sure you can figure that out.
you'll need to removed the c-clip on the back of the reservoir where it connects to the pump. lever it off with a screwdriver or a pick of some kind.
then, remove the screw on the front of the reservoir, its either an E10 or E12 torx screw. then, depending on how tight it is, it will either slide forward away from the pump, or you may have to use a prybar or large screw driver to lever it forward.
replace the seal at the rear, next to where the c-clip was, lube it with a little power steering fluid so it slides on easier, and slide the new reservoir on. reinstall the screw, reinstall the c-clip.
i would only advise attempting this if you've quite a bit of arm and hand strength or someone assisting who does.
but it's by no means impossible; i weigh 140 lbs soaking wet and i've done it at least 10 times without any trouble.
after the new reservoir is installed, fill it with fluid, start the engine for a couple seconds and shut it off. recheck the fluid level, correct if necessary, and start the engine again. the system bleeds itself as you turn the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock a few times. it will whine quite a bit at first, but will quiet down after the air is out. recheck the fluid, go and drive it, recheck the fluid level and final time, and you're done. i forgot to include the part about cleaning up the mess, but i'm sure you can figure that out.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2000 ML430
it is fairly easy, given that you've got the right tools, and can be a bit messy to do at home.
you'll need to removed the c-clip on the back of the reservoir where it connects to the pump. lever it off with a screwdriver or a pick of some kind.
then, remove the screw on the front of the reservoir, its either an E10 or E12 torx screw. then, depending on how tight it is, it will either slide forward away from the pump, or you may have to use a prybar or large screw driver to lever it forward.
replace the seal at the rear, next to where the c-clip was, lube it with a little power steering fluid so it slides on easier, and slide the new reservoir on. reinstall the screw, reinstall the c-clip.
i would only advise attempting this if you've quite a bit of arm and hand strength or someone assisting who does.
but it's by no means impossible; i weigh 140 lbs soaking wet and i've done it at least 10 times without any trouble.
after the new reservoir is installed, fill it with fluid, start the engine for a couple seconds and shut it off. recheck the fluid level, correct if necessary, and start the engine again. the system bleeds itself as you turn the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock a few times. it will whine quite a bit at first, but will quiet down after the air is out. recheck the fluid, go and drive it, recheck the fluid level and final time, and you're done. i forgot to include the part about cleaning up the mess, but i'm sure you can figure that out.
you'll need to removed the c-clip on the back of the reservoir where it connects to the pump. lever it off with a screwdriver or a pick of some kind.
then, remove the screw on the front of the reservoir, its either an E10 or E12 torx screw. then, depending on how tight it is, it will either slide forward away from the pump, or you may have to use a prybar or large screw driver to lever it forward.
replace the seal at the rear, next to where the c-clip was, lube it with a little power steering fluid so it slides on easier, and slide the new reservoir on. reinstall the screw, reinstall the c-clip.
i would only advise attempting this if you've quite a bit of arm and hand strength or someone assisting who does.
but it's by no means impossible; i weigh 140 lbs soaking wet and i've done it at least 10 times without any trouble.
after the new reservoir is installed, fill it with fluid, start the engine for a couple seconds and shut it off. recheck the fluid level, correct if necessary, and start the engine again. the system bleeds itself as you turn the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock a few times. it will whine quite a bit at first, but will quiet down after the air is out. recheck the fluid, go and drive it, recheck the fluid level and final time, and you're done. i forgot to include the part about cleaning up the mess, but i'm sure you can figure that out.
Albert
Last edited by ML430ROCKS; Jul 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
ml320 & c240
Be sure it is a power steering leak and not engine oil. If engine oil leaks from your oil filter area it could easily be mistaken as a power steering leak. I had this happen and the dealer wanted to change my power steering pump. After I refused and properly inspect the area i found it was an oil leak instead.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: MN
'17 GLS 450, former owner '01 ML 430
Be sure it is a power steering leak and not engine oil. If engine oil leaks from your oil filter area it could easily be mistaken as a power steering leak. I had this happen and the dealer wanted to change my power steering pump. After I refused and properly inspect the area i found it was an oil leak instead.
