Repair-It

I have been toying with this for a while. I guess the reservoir has an integrated filter that can become clogged and restrict power steering flow. My only complaint is that at low engine speeds and fast maneuvers, the power steering can't always keep up. It's done this the whole time and I've wondered if a new reservoir would fix it. I guess I always thought it was more a pump issue and I would just let it get worse and deal with the problem. But maybe I should consider trying a reservoir if it isn't too hard or too pricey. Also I was thinking it COULD be a while-you're-in-there situation when I do the thermostat...

Reservoir: A0004602583
https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... ir-4602583
$50 in stock

Seal: A0004661880
https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... al-4661880
$4 in stock

Retainer: A0009941903
https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... sk-9941903
$3 in stock

Reservoir cap: A0004660968
https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... r-14662705
$14 not in stock and the reservoir may not come with this. But I can just reuse mine.

Good thing I didn't order the cap because the new one came loaded with the cap, all 3 bolts and some stoppers that came in handy for my flush.

I didn't need the metal retainer. It was fine. I did need the O-ring.

Removal was pretty straight forward with some notes:
- Suction the fluid out first
- The return hose clamp is a crimp style for extra fun so I had to dremel that apart. I used one of my fancy fuel injection hose clamps to replace it.
- Removing the retainer was tricky but in the end a stubby flat head held behind (kind of along the exhaust manifold) was able to twist/pry it out and that worked fine.
- Two of the three bolts were "stuck." I thought I was going to ruin the timing cover threads but they eventually squeaked and chattered their way out. It was a little scary but it turned out fine. Like I said, the new one comes with captured bolts that you couldn't even remove without cutting some plastic away from the reservoir.
- For the flush I stuck the yellow stopper in the return nipple and rigged up a funnel and some hose into a container. Then I filled the reservoir and had Ian turn the steering wheel back and forth. This worked great!
Eventually got nice green fluid. Used up some old MB 345 stock plus some old CHF11S and got partway through a new one. I will check the level tomorrow.