MB_350

First post to MBworld and not as cheerful as could be as experiencing problems with my ML350.

My 2007 ML350 has covered 110,000kms with full service from the local MB dealer. Problem starting when I noticed steering starting to get heavy when parking but fine when in motion. I had the dealer check the car and was shocked to find a quotation for a new power steer pump and power steering assembly box. The cost to replace these two parts is USD10,000!!!!

I would like to ask are these two problems common for the W164 platform? I've searched the forum and found a few people with leaky power steering pumps but non with assembly box. Are these any recall or TSB with relations to the problems I am having as I will wish to complain to my dealer. I dont understand how a MB that has a full service history and is only 4yrs old can have such problems.

Any pointers or comments will be much appreciated.

Jim

dgiturbo

Pump is around 650
Hoses are say 250
Reservoir about 50
Steering gear 2000 (+-)
So a complete(ish) system is say US 3000
Not sure if you need the entire thing, or where you are for import taxes, but $10000 seems a tad high.

MB_350

Hi

The quote is from the local dealer here in Hong Kong.

I wanted to know if a failed pump and or steering gear are common problems with the ML350? If not, could there be any possible cause from poor service from my dealer as I dont get how a 4yr car needs so much work already!?

Thanks

Jim

Bibler

Jim - My power steering went out on my '06 ML350 yesterday and is now at the dealer. The belt is good, reservoir is full and I don't see any leaks under the car. I think it's probably the pump but there's no CEL. I'll let you know what they find.

dgiturbo

I have heard of this before. My Mom's 02 ML just had a complete redo. Several people have posted with 06 and newer with steering failures.
Just luck of the draw I guess.

MB_350

Thanks for your reply.

I’ve had car repaired by a third party garage who specialized in MB cars with below parts replaced which fixed leaks and noisy steering.

New steering rack – USD4,000!
Tie rod ends – USD90
Steering pump – USD640

The mech said a leaking steering rack is normal for the ML as it’s a design fault. The rack that is installed isnt designed for a 4x4 but taken from a normal sedan model. Thus the weight of the ML exerts too much force on the seals and such thus premature failure. He comments the steering rack on the GL models are about twice as thick vs ML and designed for heavy and 4x4 vehicles.

There is a cheaper way to fix the steering rack seals and thats to use 3rd party seals to replace but no warranty how long it will last before they start leaking. MB do not seal the seals as a part thus must replace complete rack, very expensive part!

J