Recall Campaign 2003040005 - Replace Power Steering Hose And Hose Clamp (2003040005)

RECALL CAMPAIGN 2003040005 - REPLACE POWER STEERING HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Models 163.154/157/172/174/175, Model Years 1998 - 2004 

Replace Power Steering Hose and Hose Clamp 

Revision d of this Recall Campaign involves replacement of the low pressure power steering hose and clamp (1 and 2, Fig 1) on certain vehicles that were previously repaired without the latest repair kit. MBUSA has determined that, on certain vehicles, the repairs previously conducted under this recall may have been performed with a method that makes it susceptible to future power steering fluid leaks or disconnection of the low pressure power steering hose. Vehicles repaired without the latest repair method will be repaired again. These vehicles will be repaired with the latest service instructions and with a parts kit that was designed to eliminate the potential for future leakage. This action involves approximately 111,382 vehicles that were part of the earlier recall of approximately 225,901 vehicles. MBUSA will also be mailing a version of this notice to the approximately 9,521 owners who have not responded to the 2003 owner notification. In addition, based on our latest review of warranty data and current vehicle registrations, MBUSA will be mailing notifications to 4,323 MY 2003 - 2004 owners who were not included in the initial 2003 campaign. Dealers will replace the lower power steering hose and clamp in all affected subject vehicles.

Attached are sample copies of a letters which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.

Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire  and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

Approximately 125,228 vehicles are involved in this relaunch.

REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

1. Drive vehicle onto a lift, shut-off engine and remove ignition key from ignition lock.
2. Open engine hood.
3. Remove engine cover and set aside.
   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-Z-0013-01A for all applicable safety precautions and information.

   NOTE: Before opening the hydraulic system, clean areas surrounding low pressure power steering hose connections (radiator, steering rack etc.). Any contamination entering the hydraulic component may cause component failure or total loss of the hydraulic system operation.
4. Remove fluid from power steering reservoir using hand pump (Special Tool 210 589 00 71 00).
5. Raise vehicle on lift.
   NOTE: Before removing hose, observe orientation of low pressure power steering hose at steering rack to ensure proper positioning of replacement hose.
6. Detach low pressure power steering hose mounting grommets (7, Fig 2) from 4 holders (attached to the frame rail on the left front of vehicle).
7. Loosen hose clamp (6, Fig 2) and disconnect low pressure power steering hose (2) from radiator fitting.
8. Remove banjo bolt (9, Fig 2) securing low pressure power steering hose (2) to power steering rack (10) and remove low pressure power steering hose by routing out towards rear of vehicle.
   NOTE:

   • Carefully clean low pressure power steering hose connection (8, Fig 2) at the radiator, using a lint-free shop towel to ensure that no power steering fluid residue is present on the hose connection.  Install the low pressure power steering hose DRY  onto the hose connection (8, Fig 2) at the radiator (12, Fig 2).
   • Do not use any cleaning agents.
9. Install new low pressure power steering hose (2, Fig 1) in reverse order (use new hose clamp, as provided in the repair kit).
   NOTE: Install new sealing rings (11, Fig 2) or rubber O-rings as applicable when installing new low pressure power steering hose (2).
10. As equipped: torque banjo bolt to 30 Nm or flare fitting with O-ring to 30 Nm, see WIS document: AR46.20-P-0600GH.
    NOTE: (regarding above WIS instructions):
    Illustration in WIS instructions shows low pressure power steering hose with flare fitting and O-ring.
11. Slide the installed new hose clamp toward the radiator and locate in the proper position on the low pressure power steering hose (1, Fig 1) as shown and tighten hose clamp screw (6, Fig 2).
    NOTE:

    • Observe tightening torque of: Nm 2.0 + .5 / - 0.0 and proper orientation of the anti-rotation tabs (5, Fig 1).
    • Ensure that only the low pressure power steering hose clamp, as supplied in the repair kit, is used during the reinstallation of the low pressure power steering hose.
    NOTE: Do not exceed the specified torque value, even if the low pressure power steering hose can still be rotated on the fitting.
12. Lower vehicle.
13. Refill power steering fluid reservoir with Mercedes-Benz approved power steering fluid, refer to WIS: AR46.30-P-0010B.
14. Start up engine and check function of the power steering system, check all connections for fluid leaks.
15. Lower vehicle, check power steering fluid for proper level. Replenish power steering fluid as necessary, to bring fluid level to the correct level.
16. Reinstall remaining components in reverse order.

SPECIAL TOOLS

Tool Number	Group	Cat.	Tool Description
210 589 00 71 00	27	A	Hand pump

PARTS INFORMATION

Qty.	Model: Part Name	Part Number (repair set)
1	163.154: Low pressure power steering hose set from VIN 043552 to 289559	A 163 460 52 24 05
1	163.154: Low pressure power steering hose repair set as of VIN 289560	A 163 460 51 24 05
1	163.172: Low pressure power steering hose repair set	A 163 460 52 24 05
1	163.174: Low pressure power steering hose repair set	A 163 460 53 24 05
1	163.157: Low pressure power steering hose repair set	A 163 460 51 24 05
1	163.175: Low pressure power steering hose repair set	A 163 460 51 24 05
1 Liter	Power steering fluid	BQ1 46 0001

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Operation:

1. 1. Replace low pressure power steering hose and replace hose clamp at radiator fitting (02 3902).

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)	Model Indicator(s)
46 950 27 7	02 3902	1.0 hrs.	K1, K2, K3, K4 K5

NOTE REGARDING CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT

Reimbursement to customers for repairs performed prior to this recall:

If the customer already paid to have this recall condition repaired and provides adequate documentation to support their claim of a non-warranty repair of this item, they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.

Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

See "Reimbursement to customer for repairs performed prior to recall" in MBUSA's Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.

Please note the claim submitted for customer reimbursement will not  close the campaign (if still open). If the customer is still in possession of the vehicle with an open campaign, please arrange to close the recall in the usual manner.

When performing the recall as indicated, the proper hose and hose clamp (as noted on page 4) must be used.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTERS