SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Power steering rack leaking
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 32
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sl500
Power steering rack leaking
hey everyone i am losing ABC/hydraulic fluid from the power steering rack 23011011003 2003 mercedes sl500 on the right side connecting to inner tie rod fluid is seeping through the boot is there a remedy to this or does it need changing /replacement? of one or the whole steer rack and pinion assembly ?
is there an additive you could put in to stop the leaks?
is there an additive you could put in to stop the leaks?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
You could attempt the mechanic in a can, but be advised that the power steering pump is attached to the ABC and if the additive that may swell the seal of the rack, may also do that to the pump.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
A good way to cause leaks in power steering, is to turn the steering wheel all the way to the stops.
A good way to ensure power steering leaks, is to hold pressure against the stops, so that the pump bogs down, and starts groaning.
Know your stop to stop rotation, and only ever APPROACH the stops.
Then, you will have done all you can, to prolong the life of the power steering system without leaks.
A good way to ensure power steering leaks, is to hold pressure against the stops, so that the pump bogs down, and starts groaning.
Know your stop to stop rotation, and only ever APPROACH the stops.
Then, you will have done all you can, to prolong the life of the power steering system without leaks.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Yeah, rack and pinion racks will eventually leak. No idea if brand new ones are even available rebuilt parts are hit or miss. Personally, after removing it, I would send it to one of many shops that specialize in rebuilding racks.
Note that this is power steering fluid, not ABC fluid. As mentioned, your car has a combination Power-Steering and ABC pump - two pumps on same shaft but using different fluids.
Personally I would not use a "Stop Leak" as that can gum up your pump, rack and cooling lines.
Note that this is power steering fluid, not ABC fluid. As mentioned, your car has a combination Power-Steering and ABC pump - two pumps on same shaft but using different fluids.
Personally I would not use a "Stop Leak" as that can gum up your pump, rack and cooling lines.
