Whirring noise when I turn the wheels

[JasonP]

Well, I just went outside and did a before and after with my roommate. I had her turn on the car and steer back and forth and slowly drive, and it made that noise. Seemed like it was coming from the steering box. Then I topped off the fluid with ATF and tried it again - no noise!

It only used about a 1/4 of the quart, so that should keep me until I can get a new hose and repair kit.

By the way, my pump is a Vickers Type 24. I don't see that one listed in the service manual. I wonder if it is a factory installed model pump.

Thank you everybody for your help! This is awesome - in just over two hours, I solved this completely new-to-me problem.

[John Hubertz]

Apparently this is the return hose. Mercedessource has this hose for $30.

http://www.mercedessource.com/node/671

Seems a bit pricey. It would be nice to find a cheaper option.

Well, I'd say adding fluid is the first step, and you'll have some air in the lines, so go to a parking lot and drive very slowly as you turn the steering from lock-to-lock (left to right, until it stops) about 10 times.  Then check the fluid again and add as needed.

This should eliminate the noise.

Then, get a really good phillips head screwdriver and tighten that hose clamp a bit - the one on the line that is leaking.  If it won't tighten, buy the best quality clamp you can and replace it, nice and tight.

Then, drive about 10,000 miles, and check the fluid again....     

When it comes right down to it, the best repair is the free repair.  If a $30 hose seems pricey, save your money for more critical items.

[Bandolero]

Haha, you didn't solve it, we did!!! 

And $30 is nothing on an old Merc like these, at least the hose is available. 

[JasonP]

Haha, you didn't solve it, we did!!! 

And $30 is nothing on an old Merc like these, at least the hose is available. 

Hence the "Thank you everybody for your help!" 

I am saving for a valve adjustment kit, http://www.mercedessource.com/node/715, so I will forego the hose for now unless it is a severe leak.

[Casey]

I am saving for a valve adjustment kit, http://www.mercedessource.com/node/715, so I will forego the hose for now unless it is a severe leak.

I have the wrenches from that kit because they came with a car.  Pretty steep if you ask me, if you don't want to spend $30 on a hose.  You can bend some wrenches up yourself, and buy feeler gauges at an auto parts store (which is what I did).  They are a pretty nice set, though if I was going to spend that kind of money on two wrenches I think I'd rather get a pair of official Mercedes/Hazet ones.

Maybe check out:
http://mercedesdieselrebuildingdiederich.blogspot.com/2011/05/making-pair-of-homemade-valve-wrenches.html

[oversize]

Don't drive it with a dry pump!!!!  Replace the filter which is in the bottom of the reservoir (particularly if you weren't aware it existed).  It's likely to be completely shagged.  Check the hoses and if any are cracked or split replace them immediately.  Especially high pressure hoses.  Remember that ATF is highly flammable....

When the power steering's very low I find it's better to top it up with the front wheels off the ground (but not essential).  Top up to the full level (cast on the inside of the reservoir) and start the engine.  Shut down after a very short time (10s) and re-check the reservoir level.  When the level is stable turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to bleed out any air.  Don't hold full lock for long as it can cause damage.  You may find the level rises as the temperature increases and the fluid expands.  Best to check it hot.

What I find curious is that MB chose to use Dextron II in the power steering systems, but Transmax M (?) in the autos....  WTF?