Recall - Power Steering Hose Clamp Replacement: Overview
FILE:SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION - PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2005050004
May 2005
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
MODELS 164, MODEL YEAR 2006
REPLACEMENT OF CLAMP FOR LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE
This Recall Campaign has been initiated because DCAG has determined that on the affected vehicles (see VIN range below) the lower power steering hose clamp (arrow, Figure 1), located on the lower power steering hose (Figure 1) at the lower left hand corner of the radiator, must be replaced. The hose clamp may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection and may allow the hose to disconnect from the cooler resulting in a loss of power steering fluid.
Note:
In the interest of customer satisfaction, MBUSA encourages you to perform this work at the customer's premises, place of business, etc. Please submit as a normal "Roadside Assistance" claim adhering to all guidelines associated with this program as stipulated in the Warranty Policy and Procedures manual.
Please review the Effective Serial Number Chart located below.
Shown in this bulletin is a sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to insure the vehicle is involved and to determine if the vehicle has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin.
Approximately 7,191 vehicles are involved.
Effective Serial Number Range
Procedure
1. Place vehicle on lift, refer to cautions in WIS: AS00.00-Z-0010-01A.
Note:
When performing repair on a roadside call, repair can be performed without use of a lift.
2. Remove lower engine cover, refer to WIS: AR61.20-P-1105GZ.
Note:
Ensure spacers above cover are reinstalled.
Note:
If power steering hose (R1 Figure 1) has become separated from fitting (A), clean fitting and proceed to next step.
3. Remove hose clamp (arrow, Figure 1) from lower power steering hose (R1) and discard.
Note:
^ If necessary, turn hose (R1) to gain better access to clamp (arrow).
^ Use appropriate hand tool to open clamp (e.g., diagonal cutting pliers)
^ If hose is leaking, remove hose from fitting, clean fitting, slide new hose clamp onto hose then proceed to step 4.
CAUTION!
Be careful not to damage hose (R1) during removal of hose clamp (arrow).
4. Install new hose clamp (arrow, Figure 2):
^ Push lower power steering return hose (R1) completely on to radiator fitting until power steering hose end (B) contacts flat surface (stop [A]) of radiator fitting (if hose clamp was installed in step 3, proceed to step 5).
^ Open replacement hose clamp just enough for clamp to fit over the outer circumference of the return hose.
^ Properly position the hose clamp on the lower power steering hose (R1 Figure 3):
^ There must be a distance of 5 mm (Figure 3, distance = X) from the end of the hose clamp band and the end of the lower power steering hose (R1). The hose clamp screw (A) must be located above the radiator fitting (arrow).
^ Torque hose clamp to 2 Nm.
Note:
^ Do not over torque. The hose may rotate when turned even at proper torque.
5. Check that the power steering return hose (R1 Figure 3) is routed so that it is tension free and it has a slight bend (slack). If it is not possible to route the low pressure hose (R1) without tension, proceed to step 6, if hose (R1) is tension free and position is correct proceed to step 7.
A Retaining plate
6. Adjusting position of low pressure power steering hose:
^ Loosen retaining plate bolt (arrow, Figure 4 [that secures the low pressure power steering hose to the steering rack]), until the hose (R1) can be rotated.
^ Rotate hose (R1) until it is tension free and has a slight bend. Torque bolt (arrow) to 18 Nm.
Note:
Before loosening the retaining plate bolt (A, Figure 4), clean areas surrounding retaining plate. Any foreign material entering the hydraulic component may cause component failure or total loss of the hydraulic system operation.
Warning!
^ Risk of Bodily injury if skin or eyes are exposed to high pressure hydraulic fluid release.
^ Risk of poisoning if hydraulic fluid is ingested.
^ Please refer to WIS AS00.00-Z0013-01A for all applicable safety precautions and information
7. Start-up engine and check for any fluid leaks from the low pressure power steering hose (R1 Figure 4) as described in the following steps (check and correct power steering fluid level if necessary):
^ Increase engine speed to 1000 - 1200 rpm.
^ With vehicle stationary (selector lever in Park, apply parking brake) turn steering wheel to the left steering stop position then as-fast-as possible (abruptly) turn the steering wheel a minimum of 1/2 turn to the right. Repeat this step 5 times.
^ With vehicle stationary (selector lever in Park) turn steering wheel to the right steering stop position then as-fast-as possible (abruptly) turn the steering wheel a minimum of 1/2 turn to the left. Repeat this step 5 times.
^ Turn-off engine.
^ Visually inspect the lower power steering hose (R1) for leaks at the radiator connection and power steering rack.
Note:
Please note that the hose may have moved back slightly from the radiator connection. This is normal.
Note:
Inspection for leaks at the steering rack is necessary only if the lower power steering hose position was adjusted (in step 6).
8. Reinstall lower engine cover in reverse order.
Parts Information
Note:
The allowable labor operation table should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair.