380SEL oil explosion

[roondog]

greetings,
Took my Merc W126 out this morning Decided to top it up with 1/2 a Litre of Engine oil, Got to dunelm about 15miles away and to my horror engine oil was dribbling out the bottom and its made a mess around the front of the engine bay. Curse words were said.

I'm thinking because It's been very cold lately something, somewhere has given and has nothing to do with me topping it up??

The steering on the way back was also making groaning noises, anytime I turned it, especially 45+ degrees lock, which was weird. like a embarrassed bear

Any feedback would be appreciated, Something for me to go on until I can afford to have it looked at.

:bannana:

 

[renault12ts]

Are you sure it is engine oil, not steering fluid.

 

[brucemillar]

^+1

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[roondog]

ah, possibly now that you mention it. I shall check in the morning, thank you

 

[roondog]

It looks like its certainly steering fluid that's everywhere judging that its at the centre of the mess,
And I'm certain that the fluid level should be up to that extruding metal marker (see photo) which means Its more or less emptied itself.

any thoughts on a good plan of action?

 

[DSM10000]

It looks like its certainly steering fluid that's everywhere judging that its at the centre of the mess,
And I'm certain that the fluid level should be up to that extruding metal marker (see photo) which means Its more or less emptied itself.

any thoughts on a good plan of action?

Find the leak?

Trace the pipework from reservoir to pump and from pump to steering rack.

 

[roondog]

I found the leak coming from the join between the rubber hose and the metalwork on this pipe (see photo 2&3) which leads from the main reservoir.

I had to run the engine and put the steering on lock for a time, which was making a unpleasant noise to reveal the leak.

Is the reservoir frothing up (photo 1) because its drawing in air from this leak??

Also I am now looking for a replacement new part which consists of the metalwork from the reservoir with rubber hose, If anyone knows what & where I can get this from it would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[roondog]

pictures (Steering fluid problem)

 

[brucemillar]

The frothing will just be air being drawn in (as you say). Not sure if the failing connector is part of the pump or the pipe. You need to clean it up with de-greaser and try to see whether you need a pipe or a pump or both. SOmebody else may be along who knows more about this model.

 

[roondog]

The frothing will just be air being drawn in (as you say). Not sure if the failing connector is part of the pump or the pipe. You need to clean it up with de-greaser and try to see whether you need a pipe or a pump or both. SOmebody else may be along who knows more about this model.

Thanks, There is a nut between failing connector and pump so I'll see if it undo's

 

[dinoy]

the high pressure hose normally fails and leaks

 

[grober]

Pelican Mercedes-Benz Tech Article - Installing a New Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Pump - Mercedes 380SEL and W126 Chassis

MERCEDES 380 SEC [126.043] TO 09/85: 46 STEERING ILLUSTRATIONS: 060 STEERING GEAR, RANGE OF LINES IL. 2

 

[roondog]

If anyone with good knowledge of the w126, you might be able to tell me if this part would fit to replace the existing high pressure power steering line.

the bloke said he checked and its suitable for the vehicle, its just to my untrained eye the metal pipe connector on the part which fits to the steering box doesn't look substantial enough to reach it?? if you know what I mean.


HYDRAULIC HOSE For STEERING SYSTEM MERCEDES S-CLASS (W126) 500 SE SEL KAT 252BHP | eBay

 

[grober]

My only question would be whether its designed for LHD or RHD car as obviously the pipe run from pump on nearside [RHD] front of the engine is further away from the steering box in a RHD drive model, than in a LHD car where the pump and steering box are on the same side of the car.

 

[roondog]

I think im just gonna speak to a Mercedes specialist like the guys at www.mercedesbenzparts.co.uk and poss buy thru them, might be expensive but its the best way.

 

[stwat]

They are around £65 from Mercedes. They will get you the correct one using your VIN.

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

You could try ECP or Motor Supplies Weston ( both behind Dunelm weston), opposite the goods entrance to Jewsons.

 

[stwat]

you could even take the old pipe down to a hydraulics supplier and they will make you one up.