ML430 steering issue
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Joined: Nov 2021
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ML320
ML430 steering issue
I recently purchased a used 1999 ML430 with multiple issues. One of which is the steering will very hard to turn. I checked the fluid and it has plenty. So I jacked up the car and turned the wheel from side to side and it turns smoothly with no issues. Would this be a bad power steering pump ? The pump is not whining.
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
With out the eng. running, jack it up again and remove the reservoir cap and slowly turn the wheel from lock to lock. Have someone look into the reservoir and see if there are any bubbles. If so, continue turning lock to lock ( poss. 20-30 times).
If the bubbles remain you must replace the reservoir and not the pump.
If the bubbles remain you must replace the reservoir and not the pump.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Calgary, AB
2008 ML550, RotorWay JetExec
Sorry - wrong forum; I reposted in the W164 forum.
Dear Maj. Dundee - I would like to revive this thread. We had conversations a few years ago when I was having pump problems. As it turned out, I made a testing apparatus which determined the problem was in the rack. I replaced the rack and everything was fine - until today.
I was in a very tight parking spot and had to go back and forth to "wiggle" out. To do so, I had to turn the steering wheel lock to lock (softly - not hard lock) several times. I heard "funny" noises that I remember were steering related and then I felt the steering get very stiff. A few minutes later, all power steering was lost. I checked fluid level and it was a bit low but not by much.
So what do you think? Pump or rack? Thanks.
Dear Maj. Dundee - I would like to revive this thread. We had conversations a few years ago when I was having pump problems. As it turned out, I made a testing apparatus which determined the problem was in the rack. I replaced the rack and everything was fine - until today.
I was in a very tight parking spot and had to go back and forth to "wiggle" out. To do so, I had to turn the steering wheel lock to lock (softly - not hard lock) several times. I heard "funny" noises that I remember were steering related and then I felt the steering get very stiff. A few minutes later, all power steering was lost. I checked fluid level and it was a bit low but not by much.
So what do you think? Pump or rack? Thanks.
Last edited by RussG; Jan 20, 2025 at 10:19 PM.
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
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2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
