Power steering fluid change

[tmienterprises]

Hi all,

Just trying to figure something out and wondered if anyone can help - I've just changed all 4 tyres on my w203 c200k and got the alignment and tracking done - however, now when the steering wheel is turned to the extreeme left or extreme right, there seems to be a groaning noise... is this just a power steering fluid issue or anything deeper?

I got the car at about 50k and now its just passed 120k - done all the regular services in between but to my knowledge I dont think anyone has changed the fluid - is this something I can do myself?

Any ideas / inputs much appreciated.

Regards

Tony

 

[BTB 500]

Have you checked the fluid level? It may simply be low and need topping up.

I had two new front tyres on my Sharan recently and the steering groaned ... when I check the pressures they were both much lower than they should have been. Properly inflated all was fine.

 

[tmienterprises]

Thanks Bill - here's the really ignorant bit.. for the life of me I couldnt find the power steering fluid bit - ie the pump / container to check the level - cunningly hidden, me thinks..

but will check tyre pressures as well - i'm sure someone here has put the link on as to where the pump is...

 

[grober]

groaning noise

You may simply be running up against the steering limit stops at extreme lock. When this happens the noise is the power steering pump trying to move the steering against an immovable object and its protesting the load. Its normal-- just ease off a touch and the noise should go away. Its not good for the pump otherwise.

 

[tmienterprises]

Thanks Graeme,

this noise was from moderate to extreme turns.. nothing too fancy though - but it was also first thing in the morning and stopped after 10 minutes of driving - I'm guessing that level of fluid is low - I just need to find where the filler / cap is...

 

[Harley Man]

On my W203 C220 the power steering fluid container was under the plastic cover that makes the engine look far more impressive than it is, it was on the nearside tucked in with the inlet manifold

 

[BTB 500]

Can't help with the W203, but the reservoir is similarly hidden on my Sharan ... have to remove a big plastic panel that makes the engine bay look tidy

 

[tmienterprises]

Thank you Bill and harley man...

 

[nigel cross]

Checked my 203 lst night.
Its under the plastic cover by the dipstick.