Mercedes Power Steering Hard to Turn When Driving Slowly - DIY FIX - ML350 ML320 ML300 GL
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2021
- My ML-Class Mercedes is normally awesome to drive, however the other night when leaving work it became really hard to turn the steering wheel when driving slowly and as a result was unpleasant to drive home.
In this video I show you how I diagnosed the problem, partially assisted by my iCarSoft 980. This is really a must have tool if you undertake any DIY tasks on your Mercedes and for only $100 it is really good value. Here is where you can purchase it:
Amazon (US and General): amzn.to/41Chgie
Amazon (Australia): amzn.to/3wNXdO3
My diagnoses led me to believe that the SPS (Speed-Sensitive Power Steering) Solenoid had failed. This solenoid controls the amount of power steering fluid flowing into the steering rack to adjust the effort required to steer the car, and it is meant to adjust the amount of assistance depending upon the speed of the vehicle.
Here is a link to the SPS Solenoid that I purchased:
Amazon (US and General): amzn.to/42Azr8K
Amazon (Australia): amzn.to/3v1E4IT
The tools that are required to do this task are:
* 4mm Hex Bit
* Power Steering Fluid (ensure you purchase correct MB specification fluid for your vehicle)
* 10mm Socket (to remove under-tray of vehicle) - Авто та транспорт
The title was exactly what I put in the search bar, so this is kind of perfect
Hi Daniel, Awesome, glad it was helpful! Cheers Drew
Hi, there. First thanks God for you and your class. I replace the sps and the power steering sistem works LIKE NEW. You are doing a great job teaching to others how fix the mercedes benz.
The dealer was asking $3500 for replace rack and pinion but your job and just replacing the SPS from Amazon $48.00 was awesome for me. Thanks God.....!!!!
Hi Luis, thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, your experience with the dealer is all too common and I am just numb to the stories now. It simply does not matter what the problem is if you take your Mercedes to a dealer you will be faced with a bill of thousands of dollars, however most of the time you can fix it yourself for a few dollars. Just mind blowing. If you haven't seen my latest video, check it out ... different problem, but I'm sure the experience at a dealer would be similar: ua-cam.com/video/Aun1YBxRids/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
Thanks Drew. Starting to have same problem. So, this is my next job! Brilliant quick video giving us how to in the driveway! Alan
Hi Alan, sounds like a good plan! If you have never changed your power steering fluid I would however recommend doing that first. Here is a video where I explain how to do it: ua-cam.com/video/RovqBFX-nHg/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
You nailed it, superb diagnosis process and execution 👍
Thanks mate!! Cheers Drew
just the video I’ve been looking for - my 2001 ML55 is having this problem and I bought the sensor/valve thingy … thanks for showing me how to install it, I’ll keep u posted on how it went lol … cheers!!
Hi Dennis, thanks for the positive response and good luck with sorting yours out! Cheers Drew
Great Video Mate! Thank you, now to do this job! I love the Poverty Lift, Awesome!
Did this while i was doing Engine mounts. Nice tutorial Drew. Steering is much nicer now.
Nice, I’m thinking of doing my engine mounts soon too! Cheers Drew
Hay m8 great job. My father in his 70s has a really hard time with his steering and hurt his hands watching your video I believe is the same issue he is having with 2007 Benz ml350 thanks for that.....
No problems, good luck with it and I hope for your father that swapping this solenoid fixes his issue! Cheers Drew
Good job mate. Cheers From Qld. Same issue with my AMG ML430.
Hi Mate, glad to help! Cheers Drew
Replaced the vale on my W212 E-class today. The steering is nice and light now. Thanks DrewFixIt.
Hi Mate, I’m glad that you found the video helpful for your E-class! Cheers Drew
I didn’t this to check the valve until I saw this video you have literally saved I just ordered one today and I’m going to be replacing it on my e320 cdi
Hi Mate, glad that this video was helpful! Cheers Drew
Did it fix your issue?
Great job !
Thanks!! Cheers Drew
FYI, on Left handed cars you basicly only need to take of the wheel and its there in plain sight! Good video!
Obviously I’m not much of a mechanic. I have a 2007 ML350 left-hand drive. I wasn’t able to locate the part under the car with much searching. I don’t know how I could have missed it if it’s in plain sight. If you could share a picture of yours I would be extremely grateful.
Questions so I replace the valve PS recivour and also the pump and I still had hard steering system got flush with new fluid lifted th3 car did the steering from side to side around 30 times each side and still no power steering
Did you get it to work by any chance?
Thanks for the video! Gonna do this on my W211.
Hi Gripen, Awesome, let us know how you go? Cheers Drew
My w211 has always had this hardness problem when moving at slow speeds...and in MB dealers they never were able to fix it.
I will start checking this solenoid! Theoretically, a solenoid could be tested with a multimeter its state, isn't it?
Cheers from Spain and thanks for your video
@@zwifyfuldid it fix your problem? I have a w211 too
FYI, access is really easy if you take off the Driver's side front wheel. No need to get underneath the car. You have full access. Just did mine on my 2006 ML500 a few minutes ago.
ThNks for your vid. Have just ordered a new sps valve. Steering has been quite hard since in bought this w203 2006 4 years ago. Never a real important issue but would like lighter steering particularly at low speeds . Will update later
Good luck and thanks for the feedback! Cheers Drew
Bevan Uren ...1 year later and no update 🧐🤷🤷🙅...
hi, thank you for your videos especially this one. Im having trouble replacing the Power Steering valve on my 2006 MB c280. Need your help...!!!!
Hey, thanks for the video. From which brand is the part ? Vemo ?
Thank you ...
No problems, glad you found it useful! Cheers Drew
Hi there thx for great video on how to change the speed valve. I changed it but steering is still hard. I have ML350 cdi W164 2010. Used the same part number because it say it fits ml350. Would you know if there could be something else. Thank you.
Thanks I will try to fix it Mercedes ML350
Hi Suresh, I wish you the best! You may also want to flush your power steering fluid as per
ua-cam.com/video/RovqBFX-nHg/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
The grease marks on your face makes this video seem genuine.
Hi Shawn, it’s normally me crawling under and around the car and yes I do recall seeing the grease on my face in this one! Cheers Drew
indigenous mechanics engineer 😅
Is this a robot? 😂. He doesn't blink very often 😆. Thank you for valuable video
Beep boop 🤖
Thanks for great video!
I have ordered sps solenoid for myself couse my steering is also heavy at low speeds. Month ago i did a flush for power steering myself. I assume there will be some air coming into the system when i will replace the valve. So the question is should i do full system flush again to get rid of trapped air or turning wheels from lock to lock will be enough?
Thanks.
Hi Marius, turning wheels side to side will be enough to purge the air from the system. Cheers Drew
There is an upgrade available at dealers for the cap of the reservoir. With a ventilation hall installed.
Interesting I did not know this, what is the venter cap meant to do? Cheers Drew
@DrewFixit, Good day, Thanks for the series w164 fix video. I am 07 w164 3.0 diesel 224hp owner. Struggling with my power steering for weeks after I changed the PS fluid and made 6000km. Checked the PS fluid and has enough but got same symptoms and hard to make turns while parking. Highways trips have no issues and drive OK. Question 1 Once I changed 2 Orings on the PS lines next to this sensor I tried to empty the air from the PS as lifting the car 2 wheels in the air and making full L and R pushing one of the front tires but NOT steering wheel. Is that possible to cause any leaks after and is it bad? You mentioned that you did same but using the steering wheel.. Q2 what is the valve part code so I can check for myself. Kindest regards from one big w164 fan of yours
Hi Mate, I don't think bleeding the way you did will cause issues and here is the link to the part: amzn.to/3AsXqHZ Cheers Drew
Drew - I've got a 2009 ML 350 W164. Recently I replaced tires (new Michelin Defenders), struts/springs front, shocks back and then had a bad clunk in front. Ended up needed to replace the bushings on the two bolts/nuts that hold the steering rack in place. Now everything seems great but have to say that the car seems to wander a bit at highway speeds. Steering is nice and easy at all speeds and no leakage at this point from steering reservoir/pump. Do you think that the sps valve could be defective and not allowing more contact with the wheels at higher speeds to keep the wandering down? I have an Autel Pro but have not run it yet since a CEL did not come up.
Hi William, have you checked the sway bar bushings? Cheers Drew
Drew, I just did my sps valve on my w211 e500 and now it’s worse than before. Did you have to reset the diagnostic computer after fitting the valve?
Hi Mate, no I did not rest with the diagnostic computer. Have you done a flush of the power steering fluid as per: ua-cam.com/video/RovqBFX-nHg/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Hi Drew thanks for the reply! Turns out it was actually a faulty solenoid supplied.. alls perfect again 💥
Hi by any chance do you know if this could be the same problem on a 2005 Mercedes e500 ?
Hi Julio, I believe this could be a problem on any Merc with SPS Power Steering! Cheers Drew
Have you tried flushing fluid first, check filter in reservoir too. I found mine clogged up, cleaned with brake clean, new fluid, back to normal again.
Hi Mate, I did this first! Cheers Drew
As always great job. It has been more than a year since you replacwd the valve with an aftermarket one. How has it been operating? Asking because I also went for an aftermarket one and seems exactly like the one you bought and will install it this weekend.
Hi Mate, all good, no issues at all! Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks for the fast reply. Have a good day!
Hi mate, I got the sensor replaced and performed the bleeding procedure but seems that the steering is a bit heavier than with the old sensor. Does the sensor need some time until as a brake in period or in your case it was fully functional since the beggining wjen you installed it?
@@ad166bt Hi Mate, this is strange. I had the opposite effect when I installed this part. Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks, will keep an eye on it and if it continues will switch to the old sensor.
I have c250 CGI, i need to know do you need programming for SPS Valve change, I get SPS error Y10, circuit error,
Hi Shafi, no you should not need programming. Thanks Drew
I removed old OEM Power Steering Solenoid Valve and it was pretty obvious that the O-ring was worn down flat.
I suspect if the O-rings were replaced, the Solenoid valve is in ok shape.
Only problem is that they don't sell just the O-rings.
Hi David, just wondering what makes you think that the O-ring would effect the solenoid performance? Was there any visible sign of fluid leaking before you removed the solenoid? Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt there are 2 O-rings on the solenoid valve. the bigger one is to prevent the fluid from leaking out, but the smaller one is to direct the flow of fluid as the piston is actuated. It was worn down flat, and there were worn out rubbers coming off the O-ring. Obviously that is why the valve was not functioning properly.
@@davidjacobs8558 interesting. Why don’t you go to a generic bearing shop (they will sell all sorts of o-rings too) and see if you can buy a new o-ring, replace it to see if it solves the problem and report back here? Cheers Drew
hi
I have an issue with my steering rack it says steering rack malfunction and as you know when I get that message pop on my screen my steering gets so hard
what do you think of this issue my car is a Mercedes Benz b180 CDI diesel 2012 turbo hatchback and thanks in advance
It's hard to be certain without me looking at your car personally, however this solenoid is relatively cheap (as per the link in the video description) compared to other probable causes and I would probably swap it over for a new one as a start. If you want to test the function of the solenoid you can do that with the test tool (also linked in the description) when you enter and exit the ESP menu the solenoid will activate / deactivate! I trust this helps? Cheers Drew
Thanks
I have a problem on my w212 2009/2010. Some say that this Y10 valve is not installed in my vehicle :-) I have big problems with turning the steering wheel in place, it is very hard.
Is there a solution?
Hi Shima, the best way to check is to lookup your VIN on a site like www.lastvin.com look for the option code 213 “speed-sensitive power steering/vario steering”! I trust this is helpful? Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Yes, now it is clear, there is no code 213 :-) So there is no help, I have to struggle. It is heavier on the steering wheel than the Russian "LADA" :-)
Thank you!
@@BBTM721 Hi Shima, have you checked your power steering fluid level? I did this video on how to check this: How to Check and Add Mercedes Power Steering Fluid
ua-cam.com/video/ODf_RZ_HWvw/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
What is a Sbs valve? I can’t find anything called that. I have a 2006 e350 I see power steering valves but no sbs
Hi, this is the part you need: amzn.to/41Chgie Cheers Drew
Got it thank you so much!!!!
Is use in California?
How did you remove the little 4 mm bolts I can’t fit a Allen key in the bottom one easily.
Do you use an extended type Allen key?
Hi Mate, it's been a while so you are stretching my memory! I do recall that it was very tight and awkward, I have a range of allen keys and fittings which I had to use! Cheers Drew
all good had to drop steering rack by 1 inch on right side to access the top bolt only when reinstalling the bolt.
managed to remove them both but couldnt reinstall top bolt no matter what i did until rack dropped 1inch
finally the car drives so much better i can’t believe what a different beast it feels like now.
@@savagecabbage-4923 hi mate, glad you got the job done. I certainly didn’t have to drop the rack myself! Cheers Drew
Is it same in w163?
Drew, thank you very much for the video. My 2012 R172 SLK55 is Showing a message in the central display " Power Steering Malfunction See Owners Manual". On checking for fault codes it shows component Y10/1 ( Power Steering pump quantity control valve has a short circuit). I have a replacement Solenoid Valve and my question is when you removed your old valve did the oil that came out come out with any pressure and did you replace with the engine cold? Thanks again.
Hi Martin, no problems! Only a small amount of fluid came out and there wasn’t any significant pressure. My car was warm when I did it. Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Drew thanks for getting back to me. Really appreciate it. Regards Martin
not sure how to check this fits my car... i have a ml320 2009 v6 w164 help please
Hi Ben, this is the part that you need: amzn.to/3AsXqHZ Cheers Drew
My w211 which also has speed sensitive power steering is also somewhat hard on the steering wheel when turning at low speeds, but in my case it is coming noises also when turning the wheel in those low speeds. It is very easy to hear that squeeking noise when turning the wheel to park the car at the parking lot. Is it possible that in my case the power steering pump needs to be replaced?
Hi Mate, the power steering pump will squeal if it is low on fluid. Have you checked the level of power steering fluid? Here is a video I did on how to do this: ua-cam.com/video/ODf_RZ_HWvw/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks Drew. And yes I have checked the level, and it was fine. My w211 has the exact same dipstick as your car btw. "Funny" thing is, yesterday when I drove the car that squeal sound was gone... but I guess that will just be temporary. Next time I hear it I will get a buddy of mine to turn the steering wheel for me while the car is stationary, so that I can listen under the hood with the engine cover off to try and locate where the sound is coming from. That squeal noise was quite noisy, so if it is the power steering pump (or any other part) I think I should be able to hear it.
@@hanzzzo so the next thing I would do is flush the fluid if you have not, here is a video on how to do it:
ua-cam.com/video/RovqBFX-nHg/v-deo.html cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Thanks. I have watched your video now. The noise has still not come back, but I guess it will soon. Steering is still somewhat hard. Just by looking at it, the fluid seems ok, it is not dark at all. Car has driven about 200k km, in "cold" Norwegian climate, and the last five years in the north. But then again, if changing/flushing the fluid is not something that goes under the maintenance plan, then the oil probably have been there since the car was new... I will try to get it flushed, I just cross my fingers that it is not too late, since I`ve already have had noise from the steering.
@@hanzzzo hello
I have the same issue the power steering is heavy at low speeds and when i try to park and i can hear the noise while turning the wheels (it vanishes once i get going) i did a power steering fluid flush with no luck. Were you able to solve this issue?
🙏👏👏👏
Thanks mate! Cheers Drew
How do I know it's not my pump, my 2012 c350 power steering went out but I don't have warning lights and its still quiet
Hi Mate, I normally find the pumps become noisy when they are on the way out or shot. Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt So I'm pretty sure its the same issue that you had. Same fix as you since we have the same engine this video helped a lot
Power steering or electric steering? I have a 2019 c200 the direct steering speed sensitive and the same problem steering is so hard at slow speed please help..
Hi Sej, I just looked up your model and I believe it has the traditional style of hydraulic power steering (eg not electric). If you haven’t seen it there is a video on my channel showing you how to flush your power steering fluid. You should do this too! Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt Dealer said its electrical and has no fluid its a new engine layout 2020 etc shall I still search for the little black cover?
@@user-ur1ix9jh8f I suggest you have a look under the bonnet yourself! I have a video which will show you what the reservoir looks like! Cheers Drew
I bought and installed the recommended part but steering still stiff?
Hi Mike, that must be frustrating. Have you flushed the power steering fluid? If not, here is a video of how to do it: ua-cam.com/video/RovqBFX-nHg/v-deo.html Cheers Drew
Hi Drew … changing the fluid made no difference; my steering garage guy suggests the part might have been faulty and proposes I get an OEM part from Mercedes?
I lost power steering after drifting c 280 😢😢
Hi mate, I would love to drift a c 280! Have you got any footage? Cheers Drew
SPS valve
Hi Mate, Yep that's the one! Cheers Drew
i have a ml 350 2008, there's a sound when accelerate and turn the steering wheel, do you know if is a transmission problem or something else ?
Hi Carlos, super hard for me to determine remotely with that description sorry as there are just so many possibilities. Sorry Drew
@@DrewFixIt that's the only description that I can write to you, cause I only heard that sound, but thanks for answering, greetings mate! Awesome channel by the way!!
@@carlosgaribi5273 thanks Carlos. It's hard when you can't look at something yourself as I really don't want to send someone on a wild goose chase. To me, it's odd that it only does it when your will is turned, thus I would start by looking at the front end suspension components personally. Like jack up the front end and put a jimmy bar under the front wheel and test for play, etc and see if you can in this way reproduce a clunk sound ... that's what I would do to start with! Cheers Drew
@@DrewFixIt ya my personal problem with my 08 ml350 is that when it's at a complete stop it's almost impossible to move the wheel. I have to put it in park and gas it to make the wheel be able to spin. I also have the problem where the power steering makes a supercharger kind of whine noise when driving and turning as well.
So I wonder if the sps could fix it since I only have turning issues at extremely low speeds with no throttle, or if I should replace the entire power steering assembly since it makes a loud whine. Did you ever have the power steering pump noise by chance?
@@DrewFixIt any help or response is much appreciated :) also I wonder if it might just be the valve you mentioned just because if it moves ok again when I give it throttle it might be doing so just because I'm maybe tricking it to think we're moving faster or something. Only thing throwing me off is that very loud whine which I believe might indicate a bad power steering pump
Thanks