W211 E320 Leaky steering rack

[Sebs007]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been wrestling with a leaking steering rack for what feels like forever now. It's a servotronic rack, and the issue is with the oil feed lines. One of the bolts that pass the oil through is leaking, so I decided to take it apart and try to find the right replacement gaskets. But here’s the kicker: I’ve stripped it down three times already, and still can’t find the right size gaskets to seal the deal. Every time I think I’ve got it, nope!!!

The leak isn’t Niagara Falls level, but it’s enough to be a pain. I’m topping up the reservoir pretty much every week just to keep the pump happy and avoid turning my steering wheel into a workout session.

I even talked to the local Mercedes dealer, and surprise, surprise, they don’t sell the gaskets separately. Instead, they kindly offered me a £70 “repair kit.”

So, does anyone know where I can get my hands on these tiny rubber demons that are currently giving me oily nightmares and making me leave wet patches of oil wherever I park?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[FLYPOGGER]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been wrestling with a leaking steering rack for what feels like forever now. It's a servotronic rack, and the issue is with the oil feed lines. One of the bolts that pass the oil through is leaking, so I decided to take it apart and try to find the right replacement gaskets. But here’s the kicker: I’ve stripped it down three times already, and still can’t find the right size gaskets to seal the deal. Every time I think I’ve got it, nope!!!

The leak isn’t Niagara Falls level, but it’s enough to be a pain. I’m topping up the reservoir pretty much every week just to keep the pump happy and avoid turning my steering wheel into a workout session.

I even talked to the local Mercedes dealer, and surprise, surprise, they don’t sell the gaskets separately. Instead, they kindly offered me a £70 “repair kit.”

So, does anyone know where I can get my hands on these tiny rubber demons that are currently giving me oily nightmares and making me leave wet patches of oil wherever I park?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Cheers!

Are you talking about "O" rings?

 

[Sebs007]

Are you talking about "O" rings?

Yes, that's what I'm looking to find

 

[abecketts]

If the £70 repair kit will give you the correct O rings then best use that as you’ll know 100% the O rings you fit are correct. I agree tis a daft price.

 

[optimusprime]

Just replace the gasket and leave it alone ..i tried to service one years back and the kit was £40 back in 1970 for my car . I never fixed mine .Had to have it fully serviced, it was ok for years after

 

[Sebs007]

Thanks for your reply!

It doesn’t make much sense to me to buy the whole kit just for two small O-rings. I’m doing some research on alternatives to see if there are more cost-effective options out there. I’ll post my findings if I’ll be lucky enough!

 

[optimusprime]

Best dont use a snale oil repair in a bottle, i have , and they dont work

 

[johnsco]

O rings of various diameters and thicknesses are readily available.
I guess that the rings required by the OP are, maybe, some special profile.
I'd be tempted to try o rings of the correct diameter and thickness (as far as I could tell).
Degrease the area of the seal.
Give the o rings a coating of instant gasket.
Fit and hope for the best.
Worth a try ??