Streering rack leaks - 2001 ML320
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 5
From: Portland, OR
W163 - '01 ML320, 155k miles and counting....
Streering rack leaks - 2001 ML320
My steering rack is leaking, not badly but it's also a bit light and notchy. I've flushed it twice, both times with 3 quarts of PS fluid, which improved things a lot. I still have the leak. Local indy says it needs to be serviced/replaced. I've been told that the rack is unavailable, only refurbished parts exist.
I've read that there are two versions of the rack, so my question is how do I identify which one I have? Also I'd love to hear any feedback on the quality of the anyone who has gone the refurbished route. Finally, is this a DIY with axle stands or does the whole car need to be in the air? How easy is the DIY?
Edit - VIN ends in 245049
Thank you
- Tim
I've read that there are two versions of the rack, so my question is how do I identify which one I have? Also I'd love to hear any feedback on the quality of the anyone who has gone the refurbished route. Finally, is this a DIY with axle stands or does the whole car need to be in the air? How easy is the DIY?
Edit - VIN ends in 245049
Thank you
- Tim
Last edited by timfountain; Feb 13, 2024 at 02:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 11
From: Sedbergh, England
ML320 W163 2000
I have a similar problem, and had the piping custom made as the parts were not available. The steering rack itself still leaks, but I have opted for the low cost approach of topping it up with the power steering fluid regularly or whenever (or just before) it starts to get noisy. I use just under 2 litres a year of fluid which is somewhat cheaper than having the rack rebuilt. There are places that do refurbish steering racks but it is pricey (ish). It doesn't leak enough to drip underneath the car, but needs topping up about every month.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
My steering rack is leaking, not badly but it's also a bit light and notchy. I've flushed it twice, both times with 3 quarts of PS fluid, which improved things a lot. I still have the leak. Local indy says it needs to be serviced/replaced. I've been told that the rack is unavailable, only refurbished parts exist.
I've read that there are two versions of the rack, so my question is how do I identify which one I have? Also I'd love to hear any feedback on the quality of the anyone who has gone the refurbished route. Finally, is this a DIY with axle stands or does the whole car need to be in the air? How easy is the DIY?
Edit - VIN ends in 245049
Thank you
- Tim
I've read that there are two versions of the rack, so my question is how do I identify which one I have? Also I'd love to hear any feedback on the quality of the anyone who has gone the refurbished route. Finally, is this a DIY with axle stands or does the whole car need to be in the air? How easy is the DIY?
Edit - VIN ends in 245049
Thank you
- Tim
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 5
From: Portland, OR
W163 - '01 ML320, 155k miles and counting....
I have a similar problem, and had the piping custom made as the parts were not available. The steering rack itself still leaks, but I have opted for the low cost approach of topping it up with the power steering fluid regularly or whenever (or just before) it starts to get noisy. I use just under 2 litres a year of fluid which is somewhat cheaper than having the rack rebuilt. There are places that do refurbish steering racks but it is pricey (ish). It doesn't leak enough to drip underneath the car, but needs topping up about every month.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 5
From: Portland, OR
W163 - '01 ML320, 155k miles and counting....
I wish! Local indies are quoting $2-3k.... This is for a swap with a remanufactured part, and with no guarantees. I really think they don't want to actually do it, as it's somewhat of a PIA, so they price themselves out.
