EWT

I'm a high mileage X164 GL550 owner who does his own repairs (meaning I've fixed a bunch of stuff!) that is thinking about picking up a W164 ML550. I've found one in good condition with low miles for the age, but it has a cracked outer CV boot, leaking oil cooler and some fluid leakage from the rack at the steering shaft. The oil cooler is an easy repair, from videos the CV boot appears to be relatively easy, but the rack appears to be a pretty big repair I'd rather not tackle at least immediately. It doesn't appear to be leaking very much, but there is a small amount of fluid/dirt at rack/shaft junction so there is some seepage getting past the seal.

I know this is a relatively common problem on W164s. Based on how much residue there currently is on the rack, I wouldn't bother replacing it. However, once they start leaking a little, do they go downhill quickly, or do they just go on leaking slowly for long periods of time?

Interesting to drive a comparable ML. Significantly smaller and nimbler feeling than the GL, but the ride is definitely busier with the coil spring suspension. Thanks for any opinions.

C230 Sport Coup

I think you have to pull front diff to get to the rack.

EWT

That's why I'm not eager to replace it.

C230 Sport Coup

Or the engine. LOL
That how ours got replaced with engine out for balance shaft.