Three problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The original symptoms were the power steering started to get jerky (flat spots) meaning there was power assist from 12 o'clock to 2 o'clock, then hard effort from 2 -4 o'clock and so on. It initially was drivable but after a few hundred more miles it has become dangerous, as a tremendous amount of effort must be used when turning, then gets easy, then tight. I have checked and there are no fluid leaks and the reservoir is full. My mechanic checked it out, and he said it appeared that the steering rack is bad. He recommended we flush and change all the fluid with mbz approved:236. 3 first to see if it improved. It did not and he said I was looking at $2000+ to replace the rack. After owning two Mercedes Benz vehicles over the last 10 years, I've been loyal but having only purchased this 2008 Ml350 for less than a year and only 65k miles I find it disconcerting that I've read so much on these premature steering rack problems on these vehicles. I checked with mb, only to learn that my VIN was not on the list for 'recalls'. This is a serious issue, and mb needs to be held accountable! does someone need to be seriously hurt or killed before mb is held accountable for this issue??!.
Rack and pinion leaked all the fluid due to a defective part. I replaced the powerstering pump few month ago and paid close to $1200 (possible the back rack damage it then). Now the sterring rack needs to be replaced and the dealer wants clost to 2,000 to fix it, they are using refurbished parts. According to the dealer mb is not supplying new steering racks anymore, mb only supports repairing kits to refurbish defective ones. This is completly insane, first they put a defective part in the vehicle, that they charge you an arm and leg to replace it with a refurbished one. E recall is a must and mb should be forced to put new parts as the steering system is very crucial to safety.
I was driving and noticed my vehicle was making a very loud whining noise, so I took it to a local shop. The owner of the shop said my power steering fluid was empty and I had a leak. I decided to make a appointment at the dealership and they said I needed my power steering rack head resealed. I think this is a very dangerous situation and mercedes needs to have a recall on this. I have noticed other complaints besides mine listed on here. I shouldn't have such serious problems with this brand at such low mileage, its ridiculous.