MERCEDES W203 C180K: POWER STEERING FLUID CHANGE. HOW?

Our vehicle power steering system is one of the most important parts of vehicle operation, apart from engine and transmission. damage in the power steering system could lead to difficulty in operating our vehicle.

Therefore, it is important to maintain interval service to our power steering system. These include check-in fluid level, belting, rubber connector, and fluid replacement for every 2-3 years.

Service interval and Important Notes:

In my case, I refresh my power steering fluid for my W203 every 3 years interval. The level of difficulty of work procedure is intermediate, though quite straightforward.

In terms of part and fluid, get genuine Mercedes power steering fluid or at least OEM fluid with the same characteristic and grade. Using non-genuine or other grade fluid might damage your power steering pump and rack..which will lead to the high repair cost.

There are some important tips in W203 operating W203 steering. one of them was to make sure that we do not rack the steering until each end during vehicle operation because it might damage the steering rack.

Tools:

1) Jack

2) Jack stand

3) spanner set

4) screwdriver

5) oil pan

6) oil extractor

Parts:

1) 1 + 1 liter Power steering fluid. please prepare extra fluid just in case you need more

Procedure:

Below is the procedure in my maintenance work for power steering.

1) jack the front side of the vehicle and insert a jack stand for both sides. this is to lift up the front side of the vehicle to be able to adjust the steering column left and right.

2) release screw that tightening outflow pipe (4) or (5) from the steering rack. then open pipe to drain the power steering fluid front rack.

3) use the pump to drain fluid in power steering pump reservoir (2)...then, reconnect back the pipe for the outflow of the steering rack.

4) Then fill new fresh fluid in the reservoir (2). then rack the steering full left and then full right to remove bubble in the fluid in the steering system. this process is during engine off. left and right of steering movement for 15-20 times to remove air bubble

5) start the vehicle engine, then repeat the process of left and right of steering movement for 10-20 times to confirm there is no air bubble in the power steering system.

6) check for the leak. then test the vehicle on the real road after remove the jack stand.

the whole service will usually take 1-2 hours. But it is worth because will help you maintain your vehicle in top condition.

Thank you for reading this.