Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320

2002 mercedes-benz Ml320. Consumer is having some warranty repair problems with mercedes-benz. He also states that mercedes-benz is refusing to pay for any recall repairs. The consumer stated noises and lack of power from the vehicle were reported to the dealer. An independent repair shop found dirty solid metal residue in the transmission fluid, there were missing parts in the planetary gear. The cause of damage was faulty assembly of the pins/plugs in the gears, which resulted in the parts becoming loose and breaking the teeth, which caused excessive noise and loss of power, ultimately the transmission was replaced. The power steering was leaking, the brake and engine lights illuminated several times, the catalytic converter was replaced, the door locks had to be repaired, the battery was replaced and the sway bar link bushing were replaced as well. Updated 06/01/10. Updated 06/04/10. Updated 10/18/jb updated 10/29/jb.

The power steering on the Ml320 does not always respond to abrupt changes of direction in low speed maneuvers. On numerous occasions, I have steered to the left or right at low speed (<10mph) and then quickly tried to steer in the opposite direction. The power steering requires a great deal of force to change the initial steer direction and it is extremely difficult to change direction. This could easily result in an accident. I don't believe this behaviour is unique to my particular vehicle but is instead a common trait of all mls.

My power steering went out after making a slow, 180 degree turn when exiting a car wash--I was turning into the street when I noticed it. I was told the vehicle had been recalled to replace the power steering part. I never received a recall notice (that I can remember) and I have had the car in for service and this was not pointed out. The situation could have cause an accident if there had been traffic coming in either lane. I had three kids in the car with me.