Need Help, Steering Rack Seal????
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: College Station, Texas
2003 Ml500 Sport AMG
Need Help, Steering Rack Seal????
Hi All,
2003 Ml500 Sport. I have a leak in my steering rack where the steering input shaft goes. I have heard that there is a way to replace that seal, however i cant find any instructions on how to get to it. Does anyone here have any suggestions?
It's leaking pretty bad. I have cleaned the area several times now to verify the leaks location. Ml500 has 160K on it. It's the only place leaking. Just did not want to replace the rack for just those seals.
Thank you for your time and advice.
2003 Ml500 Sport. I have a leak in my steering rack where the steering input shaft goes. I have heard that there is a way to replace that seal, however i cant find any instructions on how to get to it. Does anyone here have any suggestions?
It's leaking pretty bad. I have cleaned the area several times now to verify the leaks location. Ml500 has 160K on it. It's the only place leaking. Just did not want to replace the rack for just those seals.
Thank you for your time and advice.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Have you considered rebuild racks?
There are plenty of vendors who sell/rebuild your own steering rack for a price. That might be your best bet.
I went through it on my 2000 ML320 at 150,000 miles or so..rebuilt rack solved all the leaks. Currently at 210,000 miles with no rack problems...
I went through it on my 2000 ML320 at 150,000 miles or so..rebuilt rack solved all the leaks. Currently at 210,000 miles with no rack problems...
Last edited by mihir_d; May 18, 2016 at 01:17 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: College Station, Texas
2003 Ml500 Sport AMG
Thank you mihir_d,
Is there a special process for getting to the seals in the valve body? I don't want to mess anything up..
Thank you for your time and help!
Is there a special process for getting to the seals in the valve body? I don't want to mess anything up..
Thank you for your time and help!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Not possible to just replace steering rack seals...
The steering rack has to come out..has to be fully rebuilt and put back in, or you can get a rebuilt rack from one of the rebuild vendors and send them your old rack back for a core credit.
Cost of this job (including the need for realignment & possible replacement of inner tie rods (strongly recommended, if not already done at that mileage) would approach around $1,000 including labor.
Cost of this job (including the need for realignment & possible replacement of inner tie rods (strongly recommended, if not already done at that mileage) would approach around $1,000 including labor.
