Massive Power Steering Leak

[mnessari]

My E420 decided “hey, I’m gonna blow a hose and puke out all the power steering fluid” today. As I hit a right turn, I noticed the wheel didn’t center so I had to muscle it to work, and left a nice puddle for them. So I found which hose it is and man it looks like a PITA! I have it circled, so any tips or advice to knock this out at home would be greatly appreciated! Number 11 in reference!

 

[nocfn]

Is this the hose along the frame rail, hidden partially by a heat shield?

 

[gsxr]

Is this the hose along the frame rail, hidden partially by a heat shield?

If it's THAT hose, the job will be 100x easier if you remove the exhaust crossover pipe and driver side engine mount. If the engine mounts are old, or suspect, measure the distance to crossmember and replace while you're in there. Change the other P/S hoses too while the system is empty.

 

[mnessari]

Is this the hose along the frame rail, hidden partially by a heat shield?

This is the hose along the frame rail thats hidden by a heat shield.

If it's THAT hose, the job will be 100x easier if you remove the exhaust crossover pipe and driver side engine mount. If the engine mounts are old, or suspect, measure the distance to crossmember and replace while you're in there. Change the other P/S hoses too while the system is empty.

Got it, thank you. I will do more research with the engine mount to see how hard it is and if there is any special tools needed. Thank you!

 

[nocfn]

This is one of the jobs you do while you are in there. Getting at the hoses with the engine installed are easier while having the engine elevated, the left side cross over pipe removed. Also may want to to the hose coming off of the PS gear itself. It is a banjo bolt so you need new crush washers or it will leak. The other hoses are not hard, those two are tight so this is the time to do them if you are going to change the engine mounts.

You do not have SLS, but if someone reads this doing the E500E and you are jacking up the engine to replace 2 of the 3 mounts (#3 is trans mount and should all be changed), but the SLS hose on the PS pump is short and can tear when jacking up the engine. I got a nice Hydraulic bath doing the job so disconect and plug the hose, or just plan to replace it anyway if original.

 

[sheward]

If you don't have access to a lift, get the car up as high as you can. This will make things much easier. Be prepared to meet with frustration breaking the one top bolt free on each motor mount. Access from the top requires something like a swivel head ratchet with a short 6-point socket. You may get access from below on the driver's side with a wrench. Once broken free, they will likely come out easily. When it comes time to finagle the mounts out thru the underside you may find it helpful to turn the wheels from side to side for clearance.

 

[nocfn]

I used rhino ramps and a 4"x12" piece of cedar to jack up the engine by the oil pan. Those mounts dropped right in.

 

[Ivogeorge]

do you have the part number for this hose? I just got a massive power steering fluid leak as well. Thanks

 

[gsxr]

do you have the part number for this hose? I just got a massive power steering fluid leak as well. Thanks

Have you confirmed where the leak is? The hose along the frame is not known for suddenly turning into a massive leak.

 

[Ivogeorge]

no, I have to jack up the car, nothing is leaking from the pump or the reservoir. It is somewhere down and it is a lot

 

[gsxr]

no, I have to jack up the car, nothing is leaking from the pump or the reservoir. It is somewhere down and it is a lot

Check the S-hose, high pressure hose, and steering box. A massive leak is more likely to be a high-pressure item, not a low-pressure return, but you never know...

 

[Ivogeorge]

I will, thank you. Do you have the number of that hose, just in case I need to change it?

 

[gsxr]

It is bulk hose sold by the meter... you'll have lots left over. Part number should be on the forum somewhere in one of the power steering threads...