Power Steering Pump problems of the 2005 Mercedes Benz ML350

The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz Ml350. While attempting to change lanes at approximately 57 mph, the contact noticed that the steering column became difficult to turn. When the brake pedal was depressed, the steering column completely locked. She attempted to pull the vehicle over to the emergency lane, but was headed towards a cement barrier because the steering column was inoperable. She applied the emergency brake and the vehicle stopped abruptly. There was no crash. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the hose clamp detached and all of the power steering fluid drained out of the vehicle. The mechanic also stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.