Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Hose Connection Leaking
A common problem with many Mercedes-Benz is a power steering leak, which causes the power steering fluid to leak, leading to a groaning noise at startup or when turning the steering wheel.
A power steering leak often causes these symptoms. Power steering leaks can happen in several places, including power steering racks or cracked power steering hoses. Another common power steering leak is a faulty power steering reservoir O-ring.
This guide provides instructions on how to fix this problem by replacing the O-ring. You can purchase a new O-ring online or at the dealership. The O-ring we replace here can be purchased through any method for less than $20.
What you will need
Tools
- Torx 30 screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver or L-shaped wrench
- Flashlight
- Needle-nose plier
Parts
- Mercedes Benz power steering reservoir o-ring
- Mercedes Benz power steering fluid
Procedure
- Shift the vehicle into the park.
- Allow the engine to cool down for fifteen minutes.
- Pop the hood by following the instructions below.
- Open the driver’s door and look under the dash above the parking brake. You should see the hood release handle.
- Open the driver’s door and look under the dash above the parking brake. You should see the hood release handle.
- Behind the grill is the hood latch release. If you don’t see it, try lifting the hood an inch. The release should pop out. Grab and pull the release forward. Grab the hood and pull it up to open hood.
- Do the following to have unrestricted access to the power steering reservoir.
- Remove the Engine cover by removing screws and pulling it towards the front of the vehicle.
- Remove the air hose.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Place the oil collector pan under the car, then drain the reservoir.
- Using Torx 30 (t30), remove three(3) reservoir retaining screws; you may use a plier or a small pipe to add some leverage in turning the screws.
- Using a pick tool, remove the locking clip from the back of the reservoir by pulling it out.
- Pull the reservoir towards the vehicle’s front, then tilt it to remove it.
- After pulling the reservoir, you will find a small O-ring attached to the engine side.
- Using a flat head screwdriver or an L-shaped wrench, pry the o-ring out of its position.
- Prepare the new O-ring.
- Using your fingers, gently install the new o-ring to its original position. To ensure a perfect fit, turn the ring around a few times until it sits properly.
- Reinsert the power steering reservoir, then push with some effort to overcome the new O-rings resistance.
- Align the reservoir to a position where the retaining screw slot matches the thread on the engine side.
- Install one of the reservoir’s screws by hand, then turn it clockwise.
- Install the remaining screws by hand to align the reservoir properly.
- Use a Torx 30 (t30) to fasten all the reservoir’s retaining screws.
- Install the locking clip to the back of the reservoir using a needle nose plier. Use a flashlight to see the status of your work better.
- Fill up the reservoir with power steering fluid using the measuring stick attached to the reservoir cap as a reference. Fill between the maximum and the minimum level. Install the reservoir cover, then visually inspect for leaks.
- Reinstall the air intake hose.
- Reinstall the engine cover.
- Bleed the air out of the power steering system by turning the steering wheel to the top left and the top right. Check fluid level; if the liquid level decreases, add some more.
- Drive the car for a few minutes, then re-check the power steering level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a power steering reservoir at home?
Yes.
What happens if a power steering reservoir leaks?
If the power steering reservoir leaks, there is a risk of a complete loss of power steering fluid. You will hear groaning noise from the steering pump, and the steering wheel will be hard to turn.
What happens if the power steering fluid completely drains while driving?
If the power steering fluid completely drains while driving, the steering wheel will be tough to turn.
Do all cars have a power steering reservoir?
Not all cars have a power steering reservoir. Vehicles equipped with electric power steering may not have a power steering reservoir.
We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Hose Connection Leaking guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.
