Improperly filling and bleeding your power steering fluid can cause damage to your system,so this article show a guide on how to fill and bleed properly for your Benz W204.
Applies to: Benz C350 (2007-14), SLK350 (2004-14), CLS350 (2004-14), CLK350 (2005-14), E350 (2005-14), S350 (2005-14), SL350 (2005-14), R350 (2006-14), ML350 (2006-14), Viano (2005-14), Sprinter (2006-14), CLC350 (2008-14), GLK350 (2008-12)
Time: 1 hour
Tab: $15 to $40
Talent: 1
Tools: An assistant
Parts Required: Power steering fluid
Hot Tip: Keep everything really clean
Performance Gain: Proper steering
Complementary Modification: Change cabin air filter
Pump Steering System Fill and Bleed Guide:
The power steering pump and reservoir are located at the left front of the motor (red arrow).Chances are if you are reading this article you have replaced the pump or reservoir and have already removed most of there components.While you do not need to remove anything to just top up the fluid it is easier to get a few simple things out of the way when filling and bleeding.Remove the front engine cover (yellow arrow) by pulling it straight up and off from the center of the piece.Remove the left air duct by compressing it off the air filter housing and then slipping it off the duct(green arrow).
Make sure to carefully clean around the cap and reservoir (red arrow).Introducing dirt into the system is as bad as getting air in.
Always use the correct fluid for your system.
Fill the reservoir until the level is approximately 10 mm below the upper edge (red arrow)
Do Not start the engine yet.Starting the engine has the potential to introduce air into the system,and you do not want that!
Turn the steering wheel slowly from steering stop to steering stop until no bubbles appear in the reservoir.As the fluid work its way into the hoses and rack have your assistant continue to add power steering fluid.Don’t let the level get low.Turn the wheel slowly at least thirty times in each direction fro stop to stop (red and yellow arrows)
Remember to keep checking the level (red arrow)!When you first start turning the wheel your assistant should be continuously poring fluid in as the fluid moves from the reservoir to the hoses and rack.
Start the motor but do not touch the steering wheel.You should have your assistant watching the level as the motor is starting and adding fluid to make sure the reservoir does not get low.
With the engine running slowly turn the steering wheel several times from stop to stop while your assistant adds fluid as needed.Repeat this procedure until the level in the reservoir remains constant and no bubbles are visible.
Check for leaks then top up the reservoir until it is at the proper fill level on the dipstick in the cap (red arrow).
Done!