update on steering noise

[holden66]

In regards to the loud rubbing, binding loud noise that I was experiencing while turning the steering wheel in tight spots (fog horn type noise/rubbing noise).......my mechanic looked at the car and told me that I needed a power steering pump; power steering box; power steering pressure hose and fluid. 

He gave me what seems to be a very significant price to do this.....mainly the cost of the box ran the cost up.  I am hesitant to give out the price over the internet......but does this make sense, and what do you think it should cost approx......

John
230 SL USA 1966

[Bernd]

I don't understand why you would hesitate to say what you were quoted? What's wrong with saying it the way it is? I don't like it when people ask others to commit and are unwilling themselves to lay it on the line. Don't beat around the bush. Share your experience.

[Bernd]

Hi John

Thanks for the e-mail. Hope I didn't make my case too strong, but I look at the website as a learning tool for me as well as others. I share what I know and I always hope others do the same for me. The pump and the box are obviously quite expensive if they needs to be replaced, but I would think they can be rebuilt. The rebuild kits aren't so bad. If he is only rebuilding them, then the price seems high to me as I can't imagine it taking 25 hours plus to do this. There are, however, much better experts on this on the forum. I am just an amateur skinned knuckles hobbyist not wanting to get ripped off. I bet Dan Carron has an opinion on this, and he is a great resource. Maybe he has a pump and or box you could buy if its necessary as I think he is parting out a couple of vehicles. Replacing the hoses and fluids are probably no luxury.

My understanding of mechanics/hydraulics is that usually not all parts break at the same time (well, at least most of the time). Seems to me like he is covering his bets. Would be surprised if the noise is in the box, as there are no high speed moving parts in the box. The pump is another story. Could be cavitating or suffer internal bearing failure. I would start there and rebuild it or replace it, decide on the hoses, and only do the box if the problem isn't gone. Can you put a feeler stethoscope on the pump and listen if it’s the origin of the sound? I am really interested to find out what is wrong, so please let me know.

Greetings from Colorado

Bernd

[Ron]

Hi John, I'm like Bernd, just a skinned knuckled hobbyist.  (In over my head.)  However, I've worked on cars since the late 1950's and I think to replace all you list below is probably not needed.  The box should be OK, the pump may be worn (from low fluid?).  The pump is the same pump used on other cars, mine is off a 230 sedan.  Hoses should be replaced if old and brittle, but they are probably not causing noise. 

How about the steering bushings?  There are 2 at the joint between the steering wheel shaft and box.  The way you can for sure tell if it is them, is to turn the wheel with the motor off.  If it makes the noise, then its the bushings.  Then is there fluid in the small PS tank?

Ron

PS I have a '66 SL also, and just got all the noises out by changing the bushings.  Cheap fix, but a lot of trouble, especially since the PO had set up the steering wheel, shaft, and box, all out alignment.