How To Replace The Rack And Pinion On A Mercedes Ml350

[@xj1085]

From a mechanic to another. By far one of best how to video. Very concise. I wished all diy videos are all like this. I dont need to watch it to do the job. But it help save me alot of time. Thanks

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Thank you!

[@HarmonieBrowning]

OMG, THAT'S A LOT OF LABOR! DEFINITELY A PROFESSIONAL JOB! THANKS BRIAN.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Patrisha Woodard it’s a tough one to do.

[@angerman1991]

*HINT!* I thought I would help out anyone that reads this comment. I work on Mercedes and I love getting this job b/c it's a money maker if you do this hack. DON'T REMOVE THE DIFFERENTIAL! I take the nut off, back that bolt up to where it hits the diff. and use a saw-zaw to cut the head of the bolt off! Then the rest of the bolt will come out the front. I keep a bag of old head bolts that are the same length and thread pitch as the old bolt (but you can just go buy one, they're cheap.) Then put the new bolt in THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION and now you have the nut on the diff. side instead. Saves me A LOT of labor time!

[@wetsoup]

As I sat under the car looking at this that is the 1st think I thought of. Why drop the differential it's only a bolt and it will work no matter how you put it in the hole. I have my Sawzall ready and I'm cutting, there is no way I'm taking the diff out after just putting an engine in the beast. GL450

[@fredmc3679]

Hi Brandon - I did the sawzall thing, but I still cannot figure out how to get the @#$% rack out of the car. By the way, I have a 2008 ML550. Do I need to remove the axles as the STAR Service manual states to do? Would you mind explaining the movements/contortions required to get the rack out. I have tried. Thanks.

[@newcavemen6682]

@Fred Mc I tried the same thing. Sawzall the bolt off, disconnect everything around the steering rack. But can't get the rack out. Just not enough space to get it out. Not sure how the person who started this reply managed to do that. Looks like I will have to bite the bullet and get the differential out

[@simmyalexander8550]

Cut the bolt remove rack from bracket remove inner and outer tie rod then disconnect the steering coupler then you have enough space to remove the rack out . when you install new rack remove inner tie rod and install .i did this on gl320 x164

[@MrTottanham]

i did the same thing, i cannot beleive people actually will remove the differential, the whole job was less than 2 hours.

[@user-nd5yw4mu8u]

Thank you man youre awesome for making these Mercedes vids. 👍

[@thegearhead]

Thank you greatly for a very informative video! It was incredibly helpful to see while replacing the rack in our car. Interestingly, there is a LOT more room under there than appears in the video, until the differential has to go back in. That part truly sucked even with a trans jack... but I digress. To anyone willing to tackle this job, listen to EVERY word here as there are a LOT of hidden hints that will help make this massive job do-able... and be prepared for a solid 2 days of work in a home shop if you don't have a 2 post lift. FANTASTIC video! Thank you for sharing your experience! Couldn't have done this job without this info! :)

[@HowtoAutomotive]

thegearhead thank you! Glad the video helped. Thank you for watching and writing!

[@z.m.5612]

@@HowtoAutomotive Hi, first thanks for the video. Can you tell which steering rack did you buy? I mean which brand or did you buy it directly from Mercedes? King regards from Vienna.

[@ianyoung6829]

Hi Brian this's a Major job

[@haenahaesung]

Amazing job... you cover so much stuff...

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Glad you like the video. Thank you for watching!

[@anthonycooper598]

Just has this done, Thanks very helpful. So much involvement with other parts. Disconnecting and reconnecting sub systems. Then servicing power steering. Tie-rods Controller arms. I had a leak and the steering seem loose and not stiff. So now I'm picking up the vehicle today from the shop. Not sure how the steering should feel. 12/7/17

[@HowtoAutomotive]

If you where to pay the shop I would say parts would be around a 1000 and labor would be between 650 and 1000 depending on shop labor rates.

[@TazzyBoy917]

hi, whats your labor rate per hour?

[@SuperEllis3]

Where can we find a new plastic guide

[@AutoTechWorld_DIY]

I was hoping that I could cheat my way around the diff as well. And now I'm here to find how to cheat it. I guess that didn't work. But this is an awesome and clear video. Thank you

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Yeah I don’t see any way of cheating it.But drop in the differential out it’s not that difficult on this car.

[@AutoTechWorld_DIY]

@@HowtoAutomotive I guess it be even easier if you start with the differential right haha

[@darrylirwin1399]

I have seen guys prop the bolt head up and then cut it and put the new bolt the opposite way back in.

[@erikwulff9346]

Fantastic Video, step by step - and as my carproblem needs a new steeringrack I will use your informative video as a guide. Thanks a lot :-) From Norway

[@hambunheng1653]

how much does it cost to replace the new rack? i own the same car with the same problem. there were many different variety of prices from different garage. and i dont know what is the exact price. thank you

[@ehlersjim12]

Aug 26 2022 - Kingman, AZ - At a good shop - R&R Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly and new Power Steering pump - $3900

[@simmyalexander8550]

Cut the bolt remove rack from bracket remove inner and outer tie rod then disconnect the steering coupler then you have enough space to remove the rack out . when you install new rack remove inner tie rod and install .i did this on gl320 x164

[@rp1268]

Had this replaced on my 2008 R350. Used a Re manufactured Maval unit from carid. Part cost 350 including tax after core return. Labor took 4 hours (real time as I was there watching the entire time). Labor cost me 400 cash.

[@johnharrison2466]

Very detailed and precise great job

[@robbie3304]

Excellent video, buddy much appreciated 👍🙏

[@JerseyJohnnyFlora]

Thanks a lot, got my answer to removing the high pressure power steering hose from watching your video, made my day

[@Bekim8310]

Hey Brian awesome video. I feel bad you had to remove the transfer case for 2 crappy bolts. Why didnt you just cut them off and then when it came time to re-install get 2 new bolts and bolt the other way??

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Bekim Krasniqi that would probably solve the problem for the bolts but you still could not get the rack out with the differential in place.

[@budagen]

It's very informative and well done step-by-step video! What about if I were to just replace the bushings, can I just lift the rack off the bracket to slip off the bushings and insert new ones? This is after cutting off the bolts. I hope you'll have time to reply. Thanks!

[@KAVUMAJOSEPH-pe3bw]

Thank you engnear

[@taylorseng9918]

Also I check for leaks no leaks and I check the gauge good reading and has full freon

[@amedeogoga]

Hey Brian, I'm doing some research, and please help me out, about the price of Labor...I have a 2012 GL 450, and wanted to KNOW a fair price, I bought the Rack and Pinion, and want to know what an Honest mechanic should charge, for just swaping the Part...Thanks so very much in Advance

[@jdoza2314]

Hey Brian. Thanks for the great video! See if I can get your expertise/opinion regarding OEM parts vs After market parts? Do u see any differences?

[@dkdiaz1]

Key is to buy oes original equipment supplier. Lemforder would supply most of the rubber mounts / suspension components. Bosch and ngk for plugs etc. A bit of homework goes a long way.

[@tommiecooper6062]

Question : rather than move everything to get the bolts from the bushings , why not just cut the bolts ???

[@jenbruni5617]

Impressive work. You made that look easy (though I know it wasn’t)

[@mamds74]

Hi Bob, great job and a great video thx. Do u think it's possible to chop off the head of the bolt of the rack the driver's side would help in not removing the differential?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

mamds74 no I would not do it.

[@mamds74]

Well, at least install the bolt the other way round with the nut in the tight limited space using lock tight. I did it myself I didn't have to remove anything else, I chopped off the head of the bolt and I replaced it. I just pushed the rack upwards and then a little bit to the left and i was able to install the bushing mounts.

[@mamds74]

I forgot to mention that my problem was a knocking noise on steering which was caused by worn out bushing mounts of the steering rack and that was what i changed, the driver's side bushing.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

mamds74 I like how you made it happen! Thank for sharing and watching! Glad it all worked out!

[@kliv-ng6uy]

mamds74 how do you know the rack bushings are bad

[@daveeddesignz]

Extremely detailed Thank you

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@tgordy41]

At the 6:55 mark where you disconnect the drive shaft from the front differential after removing the bolts, did you do anything out of the ordinary to get it loose from the differential flange? Use any special tools, etc.? We had one that would not come out and broke the drive shaft. Same problem at the transfer case, even after using much penetrating oil. Great job on the video!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

t4Now I did not have any troubles getting the driveshaft off. Once I remove the bolts he came free. Sorry yours gave you trouble.

[@taylorseng9918]

But I check live data for the pressure it seems to be low I don't knw what's causing tht issue so if u can please help me I will highly appreciate it

[@knela8803]

hey how much will these cost

[@codyw492]

Looks like a terrible job but your diy video made it seem very straight forward and simple thank you

[@HowtoAutomotive]

It’s not to bad of a job. Thank you for watching!

[@1966human]

8:27 I'm thinking I might give the ML500 a miss

[@maxmuscle27]

great video and detailed ... thank you .. you're the best

[@waheedakhtar90]

Awesome

[@boandersen2895]

If you are just replacing the two steering rack mountain bushings not the rack, is there an amazing way to get the driver's side bolt out without pulling the whole differential, please?

[@jjfr71]

Hi Brian. It is really necessary removal the complete differential? No way to just loose and get out on the Left side? Thank you and nice video, I hope you can answer my question. Jorge

[@HowtoAutomotive]

If I remember right I need to come at least most of the way out. You could always try and sneak it out with it loosened up.

[@destinyb3953]

can u install this rack without the plastic guide, mine broke and cannot find a replacement

[@ur6anchaos549]

Hey did you end up finding a new plastic guide?? Or what was your solution??

[@damiansullivan8312]

Lining up that steering spline is a pain in the ass because the way that knuckle wobbles around

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Damian Sullivan definitely takes patience.

[@ceezauto213]

Great video, does this apply to my 2007 mercedes-benz r350?

[@JavFoster]

I got a 2008 ML550 and I'm getting the Rack & Pinion replaced. $$$$ SMH.

[@justinellis4586]

10 out of 10. But torque wrenches don't work with extensions. So the intermediate shaft to rack is loose

[@carolinewambui6343]

I'm wondering Mercedes recommend don't start during bleeding. You say start and let run on idle a bit.

[@kliv-ng6uy]

Question if my bolt is reversed and I’m able to get both bolts out can I get the rack out without removing the gearbox?

[@marshallw.6343]

great video

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Axel Jones thank!

[@eimantasrt10]

Thank you!

[@yonastsadik6943]

good job

[@vitalmakhdum]

can you do this without taking off the diff? If i cut the bolt instead?

[@whittonschoolgmail]

Thanks !

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Thank you for watching!

[@neuby71]

Is it same procedure on a 2008 GL 450, probably if it’s all wheel drive

[@taylorseng9918]

I have an issue wth the same vehicle it's A/C issues I change compressor brand new and has oil and UV dye in their too and change vents accuator and car still not blowing cold air compressor engages and fuse and relay is check good and fan is operating but I just want to make sure if it's condenser restriction or a/c pressure switch or the desiccant restricted I've been having problem wth this issue and I check on a bi directional scan tool there's no code for A/C and can't figure out what's the issue

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Tsylor Seng check the basics first fuses relays. After that it may need to be re-Boudet or re-flashed.

[@taylorseng9918]

Already did tht

[@taylorseng9918]

Still same issue fuse ok and relay ok

[@taylorseng9918]

It also is relearned too after I change the accuator and compressors

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Tsylor Seng this is a tough one it may require you going for the computer and pin checking all the wires. And if all that checks out then I would suspect the AC controller or the body Control module.

[@16Tango]

Thanks Brian. I was trying to decide if I could DIY this or not on my 06 R350. It actually does not look too bad. Time to order parts.

[@FEAdeES]

Update please? How did it go

[@16Tango]

@@FEAdeES Still have not done it.

[@malshami20]

excellent video. where are you located ??

[@alyes7017]

Damn that's involved. I can do it no problem...just don't want to!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

AL Yes I don’t blame you it’s a ton of work and I can think of better things to do. Hope it all works out for you.

[@DooDicky]

Mine just started leaking!! I already replaced the Intake Manifold 16 days ago :(.

[@menohernandez335]

good night guys. i got a question. hopefully someone can help me. i saw he done an alignment mark from the shaft to differential. i just done one on the gl 450 and did not mark it. and i was just pulling out of garage and it felt like i had a little jump at the front. can someone help please.

[@ianyoung6829]

Hi Brian what was wrong with the rack and pinion

[@HowtoAutomotive]

ian young it was leaking and making noise. Thank you for watching!

[@quanwang6512]

Thanks for the video. Could you please provide a buy link for the two power steering hose o-rings you mentioned at 14:30? Are the two o-rings different or the same. Actually I am trying to find the o-rings for my 2008 GL450. Do ML350 and GL450 use the same o-rings? Thanks!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

quan wang I just pick up one of those O-ring assortment kids that you can find at your local parts stores. And just match them up with the ones on the lines.

[@quanwang6512]

Thanks!

[@dipout7872]

HELP !! 2011 R350 W251..Would like to use your service garage! I'm Riverside CA. what is the name of the garage or phone # in San Diego please?

[@ipartyitravel8249]

Can u rebuilt it by replacing the bushing?

[@706daniele]

Why did you have to remove the Diferential?

[@MrPami9899]

can you imagine doing this job without a lift????

[@MrPami9899]

Yea that's true

[@commonwealthclick7210]

Man I just did it on the side of the road with jack stands and a jack and my biggest problem is getting the steering coupling to line up with the splines on the rack smh

[@BiffMartin]

The olde sledge hammer to the knucke trick will loosen up anything. But a puller tool would be better.

[@ericestrada9868]

Is there a way to just replace the bushings on the steering rack? My steering rack works fine and doesn’t have any leaks, but the bushings are completely gone.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Eric Estrada It’s possible if you can find the parts. That’s the hard part.

[@wetsoup]

Just bought the bushings at Advanced Auto locally for $38

[@MrPami9899]

do you get the parts from the MB dealership or aftermarket

[@HowtoAutomotive]

STEEVE DAVID Nicolas on this car aftermarket. But it depends on the customer and in the car. We like to use OEM parts but it doesn't always work out that way.

[@MrPami9899]

And Oem part for this car must be expensive too

[@HowtoAutomotive]

STEEVE DAVID Nicolas very

[@MrPami9899]

I can tell

[@irvinwells8315]

And the bleeding, is it not necessary?

[@ZaphodsPlanet]

Awesome video, thank you for sharing. I just got under mine this evening to change transferase and front differential fluid and saw that I now have a good leak coming out of both sides of the rack. So sadly, I'm probably going to attempt to do this job. How much do you think the differential weighs? Should I get my hands on something like a smaller tranny jack? BTW, I don't have a rack, but may go take a look at a place nearby where i can rent one. But this will take me longer than you since it will be a first time for me at this level of dismemberment on the ML...LOL. last question.... do you think it would be any easier to disconnect the fluid lines from the rack after you pulled the differential?

[@stevosprojects7123]

I did this and now my steering wheel controls or horn doesn't work

[@williamskelton6751]

CHECK those input shaft splines on the replacement gear BEFORE ya put it back in.

[@EagleEyeLiberty]

is that the same as gl320 to change it?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

It’s similar but there will be some differences.

[@EagleEyeLiberty]

@@HowtoAutomotive ? for you can Rack opinion be repair?

[@ea8390]

What was the symptoms??

[@HowtoAutomotive]

I believe this one was leaking.

[@AndyNav1]

Hi Brian, Thanks for the video. How different would it be for 2006 ML500. Thanks.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Andy Nav it’s pretty much the same job.

[@RandyMontanez1]

working on one today an 06 ML500, its seems to be pretty much the same.

[@JamesFFHarris]

Did they ever disconnect the steering wheel?