TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service
Managers, Parts Managers
RE: UPDATE -Service Campaign 2019080019 Supplemental VINS added
Bolt Replacement on the Steering Rack
MY12-17 166, 204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217,218, 222, 253, 292 (C-Class, CLSClass, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, M-Class SClass)

FROM: Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis,
Engineering Services

Date: July 10, 2020

IMPORTANT SERVICE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

Sincerely,
Gregory Gunther
Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Campaign No. :

Campaign Desc. :

2019080019

18P4694011

Update Replace Bolts at Steering Gear

This is to notify you of a Service Campaign launch regarding the replacement of the steering gear bolts on the steering rack on a total of
418,851 Model Year (“MY”) 2012-2017 C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, M-Class, and S-Class
(166, 204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217,218, 222, 253, 292 platform) vehicles. Approximately 20,324 additional VINs will be flagged in VMI as
“OPEN” on July 10, 2020.

Background

Issue

What We’re Doing
Parts
Vehicle Model Year(s)
Vehicle Model

Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has
determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 12-17 C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class,
GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, M-Class, and S-Class (205, 218, 207, 212,
213, 166, 253, 292, 204, 217, 222 platforms) vehicles that are driven for extended periods
of time in salt-belt states and that are operated in high-corrosion environments with
exposure to road salt may experience varying levels of corrosion on specific bolts that are
used on the power steering rack. This corrosion, along with certain weighted driving loads,
could result in the fracturing of these bolts.
MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace and seal
the affected bolts on the steering gear housing cover and on the steering rack. In some extreme
cases of corrosion, replacement of the power steering rack may be necessary.
Parts are available and can be ordered as necessary.
2012 – 2017

C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, MClass, S-Class

Vehicle Populations
Total Campaign Population

418,851 (20,324 vehicles added)

Next Steps/Notes
AOMS/SOMS

AOMs – This Service Campaign may generate questions from your dealers.

While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.
Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

Campaign No. 2019080019, November 2019
Revision A

TO:

ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS

SUBJECT: Various Models
Model Years 2012-2017
Replace Steering Gear Bolts

Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on
certain Model Year (“MY”) 12-17 C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLKClass, GLS-Class, M-Class, and S-Class (205, 218, 207, 212, 213, 166, 253, 292, 204, 217, 222
platforms) vehicles that are driven for extended periods of time in salt-belt states and that are operated in
high-corrosion environments with exposure to road salt may experience varying levels of corrosion on
specific bolts that are used on the power steering rack. This corrosion, along with certain weighted driving
loads, could result in the fracturing of these bolts.

Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
•
•
•
•

Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously
repaired. Always Check VMI for any open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as
described.
Take into account the 3 different work procedures based on the different models
Do not pre-order electric power steering racks for this topic until initial repair procedure is
performed.

Approximately 418,851 vehicles are affected.
Order No. P-SC-2019080019
This bulletin has been created and maintained in accordance with MBUSA-SLP S423QH001, Document and Data
Control, and MBUSA-SLP S424HH001, Control of Quality Records.

2

Important: Take into account the different work procedures.
Important: Take into account the different parts kits in the parts table.
If the steering has to be replaced, the steering must be returned with all (including any broken off) parts
in the original packaging. All parts will be individually checked and analyzed with regard to the cause of the
damage.

Work procedure
For models 204, 207, 212, 217, 218, and 222
1. Remove center section of lower engine compartment lining.
2. Remove mounting plate (A, Figure 1) for steering gear.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600EL.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600LF.
Please note that bolt N910105012013 referenced in AR46.20-P-0600EL is NOT a one-time use bolt and may be
reused.

Figure 1

P-SC-2019080019

2

3. Slightly release steering gear and secure against falling down with transmission jack.

Figure 2
4. Remove screws (B and C, Figure 2), making absolutely sure to do so individually and one after the other,
replace with new steel screws and tighten with the specified torque incl. tightening angle.
The procedure must be completed so that the power-pack does not twist away from its set position thus
resulting in consequential damage.
Power-pack screw on steering gear: 5 Nm and 90° tightening angle.
If a screw should break off or have already broken off, replace the electric power steering rack.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600EL and AR46.20-P-0600EF. Please note that bolt
N910105012013 referenced in AR46.20-P-0600EL is NOT a one-time use bolt and may be reused.
If the steering has to be replaced, the steering must be returned with all (including any broken off) parts in
the original packaging. All steering racks will be individually checked and analyzed with regard to the cause of
the damage.
5. After replacing the screws , apply a generous coat of wax to the area (D, Figure 3) around the screw heads,
screw ends, and the gap between the power-pack and the steering.
Wax gap between power-pack and steering all-round.

Figure 3
P-SC-2019080019

2

6. Assemble in reverse order.
7. Perform wheel alignment check and carry out toe adjustment.
8. Reset the learned values for the electric power steering with XENTRY Diagnosis.
To do this, select menu item "Quick test view – N68 Electric power steering (ES) – Adaptations –
in processes – Reset learned values".

Teach-

Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis.

Work procedure
For models 205, 213, 238, and 253
1. Remove center section of lower engine compartment lining.
2. Remove screws (B and C, Figure 2), making absolutely sure to do so individually and one after the other,
replace with new steel screws and tighten with the specified torque incl. tightening angle.
The procedure must be complied with so that the power-pack does not twist away from its set position thus
resulting in consequential damage.
For models 205, 213, 238, and 253, the steering does not have to be released from the front axle carrier.
Power-pack screw on steering gear: 5 Nm and 90° tightening angle.
If a screw should break off or have already broken off, replace the electric power steering rack.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600LW and AR46.20-P-0600LWO.
If the steering has to be replaced, the steering must be returned with all (including any broken off) parts in
the original packaging. All steering racks will be individually checked and analyzed with regard to the cause of
the damage.

Figure 4
3. After replacing the screws, apply a generous coat of wax to the area (D, Figure 3) around the threaded
connections and around the gap between the power-pack and the steering.
Wax gap between power-pack and steering all-round.
4. Assemble in reverse order.

P-SC-2019080019

2

Work procedure
For models 166 and 292
1. Remove center section of lower engine compartment lining.
2. Remove screws (E, Figure 5) connecting the front axle differential to the front axle carrier.
Front axle differential remains lying in front axle carrier. It is only slightly lowered.
No further threaded connections are released at front axle differential.
For basic data, see AR33.30-P-0525GQ

Figure 5

P-SC-2019080019

2

3. Unscrew steering from front axle carrier and tie rods at the steering knuckles (F, Figure 6).
Steering coupling to steering column is NOT released.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600GQ and AR46.40-P-0200EW
Additional threaded connections do not have to be released.
Remove retaining plates (G, Figure 6).

Figure 6
4. For vehicles with code 468 (Active Curve System), unscrew the hydraulics block (Figure 7) and slightly press
downwards with lines connected.

Figure 7

P-SC-2019080019

2

5. Slightly lift steering on left and right and move towards rear in front axle carrier so that the screws (B and C,
Figure 8) are accessible.
Keep the steering pressed towards the rear with the aid of a helper as shown (Figure 9).

Figure 8

Figure 9

P-SC-2019080019

2

6. Remove screws (B and C, Figure 8), making absolutely sure to do so individually and one after the other,
replace with new steel screws and tighten with the specified torque incl. tightening angle.
The procedure must be complied with so that the power-pack does not twist away from its set position thus
resulting in consequential damage.
Important: Take into account the different screw lengths of screws B and C in models 166 and 292!
Power-pack screw on steering gear: 5 Nm and 90° tightening angle.
If a screw should break off or have already broken off, replace the electric steering rack.
For basic data, see AR46.20-P-0600GQ and AR46.40-P-0200EW.
If the steering has to be replaced, the steering must be returned with all (including any broken off) parts in
the original packaging. All steering racks will be individually checked and analyzed with regard to the cause of
the damage.
7. After replacing the screws, apply a generous coat of wax to the area (D, Figure 3) around the threaded
connections and around the gap between the power-pack and the steering.
Wax gap between power-pack and steering all-round.
8. Assemble in reverse order.
9. Perform wheel alignment check and carry out toe adjustment.
10. Reset the learned values for the electric power steering with XENTRY Diagnosis.
To do this, select menu item "Quick test view – N68 Electric power steering (ES) – Adaptations –
Teach-in processes – Reset learned values".
Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis.

Primary Parts Information
Qty.
Part Name

Part Number

Estimated
Replacement
Rate
100%
100%
100%
100%
0.5%

1(As required)
Screw set (204, 207, 212, 217, 218, and 222) A 212 460 07 01
1(As required)
Screw set (205, 213, 238, and 253)
A 205 460 86 02
1(As required)
Screw set (166 and 292)
A 166 460 18 01
0.1*
Wax
A 000 986 72 70 10
1(As required)** Electric power steering
**
* One wax container is enough for approx. 10 vehicles.
** Determine the correct electric power steering rack in XPPI using equipment code. Do not pre-order parts until
bolt replacement is performed.

Note: Small parts such as screws, stop nuts, sealing rings, cable ties, fluids, sealants, etc. are not
listed in the parts list. The required small parts (per WIS) are taken into account in the budgeting and
can be claimed. Please note that bolt N910105012013 is NOT a one-time use bolt and may be reused.

P-SC-2019080019

2

Warranty Information
Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)
Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)
Perform wheel alignment check and toe adjustment (02-9785)*
Replace 5 screws on steering gear, apply wax (02-2930)
Extra work for: Replace steering gear, with damaged screw (02-2938)
Extra work for: Replace screws on steering gear, apply wax for veh. with code 468 , only
models 166 and 292(02-2931)
Extra work for: Replace screws on steering gear, apply wax for veh. with damaged screw and
code 468, only models 166 and 292 (02-2939)
Includes: Additional operations for: Replace power steering in case of active roll stabilization
Extra work for: Replace screws on steering gear, apply wax for veh. with damaged screw and
code 489, only models 166 and 292 (02-2940)
Includes: Additional operations for: Replace power steering system in case of AIRMATIC

Damage Code
46 940 11 7

Operation Number

Labor Time (hrs.)
02-5058
0.1
02-4762
0.1
02-9785*
0.9
02-2930 (204, 207, 212, 217, 218, and 222)
1.0
02-2930 (205, 213, 238, and 253)
0.6
02-2930 (166 and 292)
2.2
02-2938 (204, 205, 207, 212, 218, and 253)
1.1
02-2938 (217 and 222)
1.2
02-2938 (213 and 238)
1.3
02-2938 (166 and 292)
4.2
02-2931 (166 and 292)
0.1
02-2939 (166 and 292)
0.9
02-2940 (166 and 292)
0.5
*Excludes (205, 213, 238, and 253) unless replacement of steering gear is required.
Note: Only wheel alignment check and toe adjustment are covered within this campaign. All other alignment
adjustments needed are considered pre-existing and not included. Pre-existing conditions are to be evaluated by
the dealer and managed outside of the campaign.
Note: Operation times are subject to change

P-SC-2019080019