GREEN-450SE help topic

[Zagato]

Done and done. The car now steers much better with crisp response from the steering wheel. It's now more stable, even though it still pulls to the right (but not as bad as before!).

With that fixed, I noticed that the steering groan is still there. That makes me conclude that it must definitely be the power steering fluid leaking from underneath. Sounds hard to fix though.

[TJ 450]

With the steering groan, is it when you're placing strain on the pump such as steering whilst moving slowly or stationary, or even at speed?
The first thing you should do is check the level.
Next, you should check all three hoses for evidence of fluid leakage. A very common source of leaks is the short joining hose just behind the battery tray.
Then I would check the steering box for major leaks. Most leak slightly it seems.
Degreasing the engine bay will greatly assist troubleshooting too. 
My 450 had groaning steering and it turned out to be a loose adjuster screw on the steering box.

Tim

[John Hubertz]

Groaning can be air trapped in the system if you have a slow leak you might try this - slowly rotate the steering lock-to-lock about four times....  "bounce" it a couple of times against the bump stops at max lock each way (not too hard now...) 

That cured mine of the groan.

[Zagato]

It's the power steering fluid that's leaking. I checked the cup and found that it was nearly empty!
I immediately went out and bought power steering fluid and filled it up to the marker.
That fixed the problem! There is no more groan. But still, it's leaking somewhere. Probably in the return hose. Since I can't afford to get it fixed, I'll just keep filling it up whenever it gets low.

[John Hubertz]

Pretty normal and probably a very slow leak.

People - isn't that usually the steering box seals?

[1974450SEL]

  I have had a couple of similar problems with mine.  The stuck accelerator, idle at 4500-5K.  Thank goodness that was at home and not somewhere else.  I had it towed into Larry's Import shop here in VA.  They replaced all the linkage bushings and removed the old pedal.  I now drive without the pedal and find its okay with just the metal rod where it was attached.  I also had the "grinding" noise but on mine turned out to be the front wheel bearings.  They replaced those as well.  They recommended a complete steering/front end replacement at a future point due to noticeable but not unsafe wear on the components.  I plan to go on Ebay and get the drag link, steering dampner, tie rods and tie rod ends for a decent price here soon.  Anyway I feel your pain on the issues but these are old cars and with the right TLC and a fair amount money the issues can be worked out.  I am going today to have a European Body specialist assess the car for repaint and body work.  Gas is cheaper now so I can afford to drive her more.  Good luck with your issues.

[Zagato]

Thanks for the good lucks guys! Anyway, the next things I have to tackle are these embarrassing jobs:




They make my car look real dodgy. I wonder if it'll be expensive to respray the C pillar and quarter panel.

Come to think about it, the paint on my trunk lid looks rubbish as well. At least it's not as noticeable.

[Zagato]

Okay, this is a bit embarrassing, but a cassette tape is stuck in my W116's stereo. I put it in, but now it won't come out. So whenever I have to drive somewhere, it plays music. I can't turn it off besides turning the volume down.