Power Steering AND Over Heating
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Jackson, MS
1986 SEL 560
Power Steering AND Over Heating
I have a 1986 560 SEL; Slowed down to turn at intersection and steering wheel began to shudder, then power steering faded out (much like when motor is switched off). Parked car for a few minutes, tried again: car steered fine as long as I maintained speed (city driving), but I noticed temp guage heading upwards into the serious zone. And again, when slowing to turn, the power steering began failing. Ideas, please? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Jackson, MS
1986 SEL 560
Thanks - one of the belts does look a little wibbly-wobbly when the motor's running and feels loose or bouncy (when the motor's off). I'll have it tightened tomorrow and see if that's it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 332
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From: LI, NY
02 W163, 84 W123, 03 E39, 98 E39
Fan Belts on older MBs
If your main belts are a "pair" it is important that a "matched" pair be put on together. Good mechanics and parts places know this. The belts are sold as a "pair". They are matched by the manufacturer as being the same exact size and tied together with a string or some other manner to be sold as a matched pair.
Just purchasing two belts that are the same "specification" can lead to problems, as one belt will be a bit longer than the other.
With the engine stopped, if you can push the belt more than an inch or more, it is too loose. If the belt visably wobbles when the engine running, it is too loose.
Tightening the belts can be challenging on older MB as it requires loosening one or usually two bolts that hold, the A/C or the PS pump or the alternator (depending on the belt), then tightning a different bolt to take up the slack, before going back to tighten the first two bolts. Newer MB have a serpentine belt with automatic tensioning.
If your belts look cracked or frayed, or are older than a few years, you might think about replacing all the belts. I always keep the old belts in the trunk in case I have a belt break. If I am traveling, I don't know if a service station in a remote location would have a belt that would fit my car. Putting an old worn belt back on could be enough to get me home.
Good luck.
Just purchasing two belts that are the same "specification" can lead to problems, as one belt will be a bit longer than the other.
With the engine stopped, if you can push the belt more than an inch or more, it is too loose. If the belt visably wobbles when the engine running, it is too loose.
Tightening the belts can be challenging on older MB as it requires loosening one or usually two bolts that hold, the A/C or the PS pump or the alternator (depending on the belt), then tightning a different bolt to take up the slack, before going back to tighten the first two bolts. Newer MB have a serpentine belt with automatic tensioning.
If your belts look cracked or frayed, or are older than a few years, you might think about replacing all the belts. I always keep the old belts in the trunk in case I have a belt break. If I am traveling, I don't know if a service station in a remote location would have a belt that would fit my car. Putting an old worn belt back on could be enough to get me home.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Jackson, MS
1986 SEL 560
Thanks for all the info - Yes it's a pair that appears to be the culprit(s). The belts are new as of last January, but they were removed and put back on again 6 or 7 weeks ago when I had the fuel pump replaced. I assume the belts are matched (bought at the same place at the same time), and I'm hoping the garage that replaced the fuel pump just didn't put them back on properly. Will let you know the verdict. And many thanks, again.
