How to check or add power steering fluid on a Mercedes-Benz

Do you hear a loud whine when you turn the steering wheel of your Mercedes-Benz? This may be most noticeable when starting the car or when the engine is cold, typically caused by low-power steering fluid. Not only is this embarrassing, but if the power steering level is low, you should add fluid as soon as possible to avoid causing problems to the power steering pump. This can happen on any Mercedes-Benz model, including E, C, S, CL, SLK, ML, SLK, and CLK Class.

Watch the video or follow step-by-step directions to learn how to check the power steering level on your Mercedes-Benz or add new fluid.

Required Power Steering Fluid

• Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid (Check Price Online)

Before you start

• Park your Mercedes Benz on a level surface.
• Set the emergency brakes.
• Choose the correct power steering fluid for your car.

Steps to check and add power steering fluid

	STEP 1: Start the car and wait until it reaches the average operating temperature. This can take several minutes. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a couple of times. Next, open the hood by pulling on the hood release.
	STEP 2: Locate the power steering reservoir. Clean the reservoir cap with a clean cloth to avoid debris falling in.
	STEP 3: Remove the reservoir cap by twisting the cap counterclockwise. If you can’t remove the cap quickly, you may find removing the engine air tube easier. As you pull the cap, have a rag in hand to wipe off the dipstick. Be careful not to get any contaminants in the reservoir.
	STEP 5: Reinstall the cap back on the reservoir. Remove the cap again and check the fluid level on the dipstick. If the level is below the MIN mark, add power steering fluid to bring the level up, but be careful to stay under the MAX mark. DO NOT overfill the power steering reservoir beyond the High/Max mark. If you add more fluid, you should remove some using a fluid transfer pump. Once you have the correct level, reinstall the cap and take the car for a spin. Ensure you don’t hear any whining or groaning from the power steering. Double-check the power steering level, to ensure that the level is correct. If your car is at operating temperature, check the fluid level at the upper Max and Min marks on the dipstick, indicated by the 80°C writing. If your engine is cold, check the fluid level at the lower marks on the dipstick, Max/Min at the 20°C range.

What kind of power steering fluid to use on Mercedes-Benz?

Always verify with your dealer or look up the type of power steering fluid you should use on your car on your owner’s manual. In most models, Mercedes-Benz uses Pentosin CHF 11S fluid. Pentosin power steering fluid is sold at dealerships, but you can buy it for less online.
Check Prices – Find Genuine Mercedes Benz Power Steering Fluid

Symptoms of Power Steering Problems

The power steering pump typically warns you with an audible noise when it is low on fluid. Here are the top signs of low-power steering fluid or pump failure.

Whining or Groaning Noise

Groaning noises are annoying; you can not ignore them quickly, even if you want to. You may initially hear the noise when you turn the steering wheel ultimately. As the fluid level lowers, you will hear the groaning almost every time you turn the steering wheel.

Adding power steering fluid to correct the level typically fixes the groaning noise. If it doesn’t, the power steering pump may need to be replaced.

Squealing Noise

If your Make Model is making squeaking noises when you turn on the car, it is a sign that the power steering belt may be old or the power steering pump is going wrong. Before you replace the pump, change the serpentine/power steering belt. It is cheaper, and in most cases, it will fix the squeaking noises that you hear in the morning.

The steering wheel is stiff.

If the power steering wheel is stiff when you turn it or requires a lot of force, it is a sign that the power steering pump is not producing the flow necessary to operate the power steering system. Have the car checked. You don’t want to lose power steering when driving. If you do lose the power steering, it will be challenging to turn the steering. You will have heavy steering.

Applicable Models Applicable Years

A Class		1997-2004	A160 CDI	A180 CDI	A200 CDI	A170	A200
C-Class	W 203	2000-2007				C 320	C 350
	W 204	2008-2014	C 250	C 300	C 350	C 63 AMG	C 55 AMG
E Class	W210	E 430	E 300 E320	E230	E 280	E 320	E550
	W211	E 200	E 250	E 300	E350	E 500	E63
S-CLASS	W 140	1993-1999	500 SEC	600 SEC	S 500	S 600	CL 500
	W 220	2000-2006	S 350	S 430	S 500	S 600	S 55
	W 221	2006-2013	S 550	S 600	S 63 AMG
	W 222
CLS-CLASS	W 219	2005-2011	CLS 500	CLS 550	CLS 55 AMG		CLS 63 AMG
	W 218	2012-Present	CLS 250 CDI	CLS 350 CDI	CLS 300	CLS 350	CLS 550
CLK-CLASS							CLK 63 AMG
	208	1998-2003	CLK 320	CLK 350	CLK 500	CLK 550	CLK 55 AMG
CL Class	W 215	2000-2006	CL 500	CL 600	CL 55 AMG	CL 65 AMG
	W 216		CL 550	CL 600	CL 63 AMG	CL 65 AMG
SLK	R 170	1998-2004	SLK 230	SLK 320	SLK 32 AMG
	R 171	2005-2009	R171	SLK 280	SLK 350	SLK 55 AMG
SL	129	1990-2002	300 SL	500 SL	SL 320	SL 500	SL 600
	R 230	2002-2012	SL350	SL500	SL55 AMG	SL600	SL65 AMG
	R 231	2013-Present	SL350	SL400	SL550	SL63 AMG	SL65 AMG
R-CLASS	V 251	2006-2009	R320 CDI	R 320 BLUETEC	R 350	R 500	R 63 AMG
M-CLASS	W163	1998-2005	ML 320	ML 350	ML 430	ML 500	ML 55 AMG
	W164	2006-2011	ML 320 CDI	ML 320 BLUETEC	ML 350	ML 500	ML 550
	W166	2012-Present	ML350	ML400	ML550	ML63 AMG	ML250 Diesel
GL-CLASS	X164	2007-2012	GL320	GL350	GL450	GL550
	X166
G-CLASS	W463	1978-2009	G 290	G 300 D	G 320	G 350	G 500

Power Steering Fluid FAQ

Should I continue to drive if my power steering fluid is low?

Avoid driving your Mercedes-Benz (C, S, SLK, CLK, M, E-Class) with low-power steering fluid. Using a generic Power Steering Fluid is better than driving with very little power steering fluid in your power steering pump. You can also perform a power steering flush to replace all of the old fluid from the system.

How often should I replace the power steering fluid on a Mercedes-Benz?

You can always check with the dealer for the exact interval to replace the power steering fluid. Our recommendation is to change it every three years or every 75,000 miles.

How much does a power steering fluid change cost on a Mercedes-Benz?

The price to replace the power steering fluid could vary depending on the Mercedes-Benz model and your location. If you have a repair shop perform, the flush expects to pay between $110 and $240.

Why should I change the power steering fluid?

You should consider replacing the power steering fluid because the fluid breaks down and gets contaminated with metal and rubber particles. This can increase the wear rate of the pump and steering components.

Why do I lose power steering fluid?

As the car ages, the power steering seals will wear. If you only have to top off the power steering every other year, you are ok. If you have to add power steering fluid every month, you should have the system checked out and repaired or replaced. Unfortunately, power steering leaks can end up being expensive repairs.