Steering rack input pinion seal leak
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
Steering rack input pinion seal leak
I have a leak on a 2006(7) ml320 cdi steering rack. Right hand drive.
vin WDC1641222A123165.
have worked out the leak is with the input shaft (steering column) seal
weirdly it takes a while to leak then dumps a heap/all of fluid. Not a gradual leak.
literally did about 15 figure 8’s in a paddock till I got the leak. Had white cardboard wrapped around the shaft to isolate the leak. By the time I drove about 200metres to get to work area it just started to rattle (low fluid).
I have a complete rack out of a October 2009 ML350 cdi. It’s part number is 1646600800 Both cars have variable assistance (code 213).
I don’t know what part number rack is in car as not enough room to read it
According to a local part supplier website they changed racks in 2008. But other sites list same rack for 2005-2011. Can I just put the spare rack in. Or is it easier to change the seal?
i have not seen anything on changing seal? Any help appreciated if anyone has a link to instructions on seal replacement
vin WDC1641222A123165.
have worked out the leak is with the input shaft (steering column) seal
weirdly it takes a while to leak then dumps a heap/all of fluid. Not a gradual leak.
literally did about 15 figure 8’s in a paddock till I got the leak. Had white cardboard wrapped around the shaft to isolate the leak. By the time I drove about 200metres to get to work area it just started to rattle (low fluid).
I have a complete rack out of a October 2009 ML350 cdi. It’s part number is 1646600800 Both cars have variable assistance (code 213).
I don’t know what part number rack is in car as not enough room to read it
According to a local part supplier website they changed racks in 2008. But other sites list same rack for 2005-2011. Can I just put the spare rack in. Or is it easier to change the seal?
i have not seen anything on changing seal? Any help appreciated if anyone has a link to instructions on seal replacement
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 198
Likes: 25
2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor, 2008 GL 320 CDI, 2008 ML320 CDI, 2016 GLE 300d AMG Night Package
I dont know if youve tried this but it worked on both the GL and the ML for me. No more leaks.
I’d try it before replacing anything.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/pow...qui-moly-20284
I’d try it before replacing anything.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/pow...qui-moly-20284
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 23
From: Queensalnd Australia
2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
Many thanks. If I get another failure I will try it
i just finished putting the other rack in the car. Big job. Had to take front diff out and decided to do control arm bushes at same time.
rack is a very tight fit in RHD car
my daughters ex boyfriend (who is a diesel fitter) did put in some anti leak substance but I don’t know what type. It may have delayed things but I don’t know what substance it was
the liqui molly stuff definitely sounds more suitable.
many thanks. I have another ML with similar mileage so no doubt it will probably start soon.
hopefully I can get it in Australia
i just finished putting the other rack in the car. Big job. Had to take front diff out and decided to do control arm bushes at same time.
rack is a very tight fit in RHD car
my daughters ex boyfriend (who is a diesel fitter) did put in some anti leak substance but I don’t know what type. It may have delayed things but I don’t know what substance it was
the liqui molly stuff definitely sounds more suitable.
many thanks. I have another ML with similar mileage so no doubt it will probably start soon.
hopefully I can get it in Australia
