Author Topic: Power Steering issue  (Read 1201 times)

Sati B

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Power Steering issue
« on: November 04, 2021, 10:08:54 »
Good morning SL113 Group. Can someone kindly help me with my power steering problem. I had significant play with my steering and the power steering system was bled, which resolved the problem. Also, the technician told me that the power steering box has a leak which needs investigation (but I've yet to get this repaired). More recently, a "sort of" grinding noise has started when my steering is fully locked to the LHS (it doesn't happen on the RHS). Can someone kindly advise whether this noise could be caused by the steering box and/or any other potential cause. Many thanks
1969 280SL Auto Tunis Beige

MikeSimon

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Re: Power Steering issue
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2021, 12:41:14 »
In any hydraulic p/s system, when you turn the wheel to full lock and the fluid produced by the pump flows against a static cylinder (builds up pressure) the p/s pump relief valve is being actuated, resulting in a noise. Usually a kind of "hissing". This works as an alert for the driver to return the steering wheel as excessive time - 35-40 seconds - in this condition can damage the pump due to overheating.
This sound should occur on both full turns left and right
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

stickandrudderman

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Re: Power Steering issue
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2021, 16:31:47 »
If there's a leak then the system will get noisy when the fluid level drops.

MikeSimon

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Re: Power Steering issue
« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2021, 16:33:35 »
Low fluid level will also cause steering fluid foaming in the reservoir.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner