I have an 89 245 with almost 250k on it. The steering is getting increasing more difficult. I am looking for a good check to see if the issue is with the power steering pump or the rack. You can see a return flow in the PS tank with the motor running. I am leaning toward a rack issue, but need to verify.
I am not leaking fluid and never have.

Also, how much trouble is it to change inner tie-rod ends, they are about the only things I have not changed in the area, except for the rack.

I'll second Al's thought to lube the lower U-joint. That was the stiff-steering culprit in my '90 240. Some motor oil got it going again for two years before I needed to replace the U-joint. The U-joint needs grease, and not oil... but there's no way to regrease, so mine simply wore out.

Other suspects could be worn ball joints or strut mount/bearings.

-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces, Draco Wheels
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

Have you used a turkey baster and sucked out the PS fluid and added fresh fluid?


Also harhness or stiff steering could be caused by lack of lube at the (2) steering column u joints. I would get a can of WD40 with a wand and from the top and from underside spray the upper and lower steering u joints with lots of lube. Then witht he car running move the steering wheel back and forth full rack a few times and take it for a test ride.

The improvement could be just what you need.

Al