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Streering rack leaks - 2001 ML320

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Old 02-13-2024, 02:12 PM
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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

Last edited by timfountain; 02-13-2024 at 02:24 PM.
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Bezalel (02-19-2024)
Old 02-19-2024, 09:28 AM
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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.
Old 02-21-2024, 11:07 AM
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2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Originally Posted by timfountain
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
If you provide VIN no. to supplier of refurbished rack shop, they are able to ensure, the correct part is sent to you....I had mine replaced 10 years ago with a refurbished rack on my 2000 ML320....have not had a leak yet after 12 years...
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timfountain (02-22-2024)
Old 02-21-2024, 11:09 AM
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It is about a $1200 job in USA....$650 for the refurbished rack...$500ish to replace in labor + car needs alignment..
Old 02-22-2024, 02:35 PM
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W163 - '01 ML320, 155k miles and counting....
Originally Posted by Bezalel
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.
I think I'm going to go with the same approach! The leak is not large, even though the feel is a bit light, it still works fine. And I am getting crazy, ridiculous quotes to replace the rack. like $2-3k for a car only worth $4-5k max. I would like to try a DIY, but I think this be beyond my capabilities and really needs the truck in the air, which I can't easily do....
Old 02-22-2024, 02:36 PM
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W163 - '01 ML320, 155k miles and counting....
Originally Posted by mihir_d
It is about a $1200 job in USA....$650 for the refurbished rack...$500ish to replace in labor + car needs alignment..
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.
Old 03-12-2024, 12:56 PM
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Those are absurd prices. RockAuto has rebuilt racks for 200+ and it's a 2-3 hour max to replace.

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