2 weeks ago I started to hear noise from my stearing wheel system and I wanted to check a power steering fluid level. I could not find location of probe. I wanted to read where it is located and nowhere was able to find it again. I started to look for manuals everywhere: book stores, e-Bay, Amazon.com. Then I find out that Mercedes does not publish the manuals for public. All ended up in me paying more than $1000 for replacement of power steering system pump. If I would add fluid it might not happened!
So, I am here to discuss some issues with my ML-320 1998 y. edition.

 

try looking on the front of the engine, driver side, way down low, the tank should be there? Is it a hissing noise, not very loud when you turn the steering lock to lock? I have to top off my power steering fluid 2 or 3 times a year. I've taken the car to the dealer several times and to a private shop, no leaks have ever been found. Apprarently, my C280 uses the stuff. Other fluid levels are fine.

 

Hey, i think i know where it is, its not as much of a probe like the oil and the transmission fluid stick, buts its a circualar cap with a black screw in the middle. Mine is located close to the headlights of the driver side. Yeah, the meanies at any oil change company wont bother looking for it and wont fill it up.

Ali,
91 SEL 420, 86 320 SDL, 81 SD 300 turbo

 

You found it! Remember make sure you use the correct PS fluid, Mercedes preferred.

 

I've seen a problem like this in mid-90s BMWs. There are some PS hoses (high-pressure side) that a porous and allow the hydraulic fluid to leak out very slowly. You might be seeing this. If your dealer replaced the hoses it may fix it, As usual, you are better off going to a truck hydraulics shop and having a new hose made up there than buying MB branded stuff. Far cheaper and maybe better. This is not an item that is going to affect the life of your engine or something.

 

In the UK we had a re-call for the ML im not sure what models. But it involved a jubilee clip on a PS hose from the rad. They were recalled because of a leak that occured because the original clip wasnt strong enough to hold the pressure.. So basically the clip was just replaced with a stronger clip and the problem is solved