haslet

Hello all, newbie here.

I have just noticed that my power steering is starting to make noise - (not too loud and unnoticable when driving). I took it in to a certified MS mechanic and he's quoting me $1200 to replace it. Found another mechanic (shop) and they are quoting me $900.

I went online and noticed the part around $400 +- $50

Is this a touch part to swap out myself? I saw instructions online and was thinking of tackling this myself and saving a few hundred dollars. Anybody care to comment and perhaps point me to a good parts dealer?

Also, one of the dash lights went out (speedo illumination) and they are quoting me $295 to replace the bulb. Any recommendations on that ?

Thanks in advance

cupertino

there is a recall on the power steering clamp, go talk to your local MB service adviser they could help you out. safety recall #2003-040005

mihir_d

There are instructions on the internet on how to replace the dash bulbs..just look around...I replaced mine as a DIY and saved a ton of money...

Just google for it..you should be able to find the instructions...

Marshall_K

So here we are.
I purchased a 2002 ML cpo in 2005 with 37000 miles on it. Since then we have driven that truck almost everywhere with very minor issues.

Early last year we had the power steering hose replaced under warranty. The power steering would not hold fluid and we had to drive it, so I kept topping it off until we got to the dealership two days later.

So now I'm sitting at 108000 miles and the power steering started leaking again. I topped off the reservoir and that worked for a while but then the problem (heavy steering) started to return. I checked the reservoir and it seemed full. I then paid attention to my driving and noticed that the heavy steering only happened during slow ,almost a stop, turns.
I took the truck in to a well known German car mechanic shop. He replaced a rubber bushing under the reservoir and I was off. I passed the truck over to my wife and she felt the problem again. I drove it and sure enough it was still there. I took it back and the mechanic looked at it again. Then he told me what was up. The power steering rack had some kind of resistance on the left side. During normal (under throttle) driving the pressure, generated by the revs, pushes past the resistance. At slow speeds the resistance will not allow the fluid to flow easily in the rack. He suggested a power steering flush to try top clear any debris in the rack. During the time that the hose was damaged the power steering may have been compromised by dirt, air or metal shavings from the components rubbing. Some of the particles my be clogging the system now. In any event the rubber bushing was probably warped due to the heat as well. He said that we should try that first but if not then a new power steering rack is in my future.

Hopefully we can do the flush and fix it. Alternatively the cloig may break itself loose. Anything is better than the $600 labor and $1700 rack price.

Stay tuned.

fkong777

so did your heavy steering problem clear itself out after a fluid flush? Im having the same problem.