LVDell

I give up. I have read the manual back and forth and check the engine bay and can't figure out where it is.

Is it the cap that is right next to the oil cap on the engine? I had to remove the plastic housing cover from the engine just to open that little cap.

Also, is there anything special about the MB power steering fluid? Or can I just run to Checker and pick up a quart of fluid?

THanks for the help.

sosh

Use MB fluid, do not overfill. Don't know why you have to add any. On my 98 ML320 never had to add any in 60000 miles on my 02 ML500 have never added any in over 3 years I have had the vehicle.

LVDell

Where do you add the fluid? THe ML is making that sounds like a car with low power steering fluid. I have 62K miles on it and it is a 2000 ML430. My last dealer service (B) was done right before the 4/50 expired and I am not sure if they added or checked.

LVDell

Just got back from my garage and noticed a puddle of oily looking fluid. Time to head to the dealer. Sure hope this is coverd by the Starmark!

saturnstyl

Often as the weather turns cold, we get a rash of customers complaining about noise from the steering. A top off will fix it every time, and no leaks are ever found.
It is possible the rack is leaking, or the reservior seal is leaking. I wouldn't think the power steering hose blew off because you still have power assist. If in fact your lower power steering cooler hose does blow off or leak, you get it fixed for free. 10 years unlimited mileage.

LVDell

Thanks for the tech help! So....even though I saw fluid on the ground I should just top it off? If so, was I correct in the location of the power steering fluid location?

LVDell

Also, do I have to use MB fluid or can I pick something up at a auto store? MB parts is closed till Monday.

SatDoug

I too have noticed the sound on my 2003 ML 320. Ever since a week ago (when the temp dropped 20 degrees). OK, where is the damn location to add the fluid?!?!?!?

saturnstyl

Drivers side. Black plastic cap on top of the power steering pump. You will have to lift the engine trim cover a smidge to get the cap off.

springerfever

It is the twist off black cap just below and to the right of the oil filler cap. Yes, it is a little easier to access with the engine shroud removed. The cap has a dip-stick built-in....read the manual on adding fluid. MB fluid is recommended, but I used STP fluid/seal conditioner compatable with all makes.

If that does not correct the problem..before replacing the expensive pump, have a MB technician examine the reservoir. I thought I was going to have to pony up for a new pump, but it turned out to be a damaged reservoir filter screen which was causing cavitation and the noise. Cost $40.00 for new reservoir.

saturnstyl

For christmas I want a digital camera. Pony up boys......

LVDell

I'll work on the collection

LVDell

FYI.....I dedcided to just take it in. THere were a couple others things I wanted them to look at as well. I'll keep y'all posted.

saturnstyl

Damn. I guess this means your not getting me a camera after all....

LVDell

Just heard back from the dealer. They had to replace the power steering pump. As well my service advisor was able to condemn the MAF and replace it as well. All covered under Starmark!!! Time to go buy the wifey something nice with all the $$$ I just saved.

I guess the camera collection will have to wait till next year.

LVDell

Forgot to mention.....9 1/2 hours of labor on the write-up for the power steering pump and MAF replacement. That plus parts I can only imagine what the bill would have been without my Starmark!

saturnstyl

Total BS. Both repairs should have been easily diagnosed and repaired under 4 hours.

LVDell

1.3 Check for problem
.4 Check P/S Pump
.8 Test P/S Pump
5.2 R&R Steering Rack
.3 Driving
.9 test air mass sensor

I agree. Total BS. Just glad I didn't have to write a check for this one.

saturnstyl

Revised quote:
1.3 to do nothing.
.8 to do something easily accomplished with no diagnostic time required.
5.2 to do a job that pays 3 hours, excluding alignment.
.3 to do something already included in previous times.
.9 that is legit.

LVDell

That cracks me up! But as funny as it is, it is sad. Why can all (most) technicians be like you?


I guess beating them isn't allowed?

saturnstyl

I posted a response to a similar thread a while back. It boils down to the techs
A) Not knowing any better.
B) Not putting forth any effort to rectify the fact that they don't know.
There is a major shortage of qualified personnel in the automotive field, and just getting a warm body to stand in a bay and swing a wrench takes care of 75% of the problem. Having a vehicle as sophisticated as a Mercedes just makes the "qualified" problem even worse. I have not met very many techs at all who carry any sort of passion for automobiles, let alone mercedes. To them its just a job.

LVDell

It's sad isn't it? Maybe if they had a great program for employess to purchase the cars they work on and build that passion then maybe it would be beneficial to MB? I know it's out there, but worth a wish right?

saturnstyl

I bought my ML at $2000 below dead cost, and I will not disclose that info. But I will say even at such a price, mercedes are simply out of reach for most employees. I make more than most of the other techs, and I am single. For those other guys, some are barely scraping by on 2 incomes. A lot of them are young too, and a benz simply doesn't appeal to them as sporty or youthful. Also Benz doesn't make a pickup truck, so that eliminates some other people.
For me, getting this ML500 was one of the best things that could have happened. I have learned much by simply driving one every day.