i drive an import also (mercedes), and have had multiple problems with Power Steering. to get to the point, if you don't put the mfr's recommended fluid in, it can dry up your hoses and cause them to leak. i would have a mechanic check your hoses, drain out the old fluid if you don't know 100% what's in there, replace hoses if necessary (cost me $100), and put the right fluid in. Hope this helps.
broken hose to the power steering reservoir or the rack on the firewall is leaking badly or the reservoir has a hole in it.
What will happen if u I added power steering fluid to a leaking power steering pump
If the fluid is coming from near the front bumper then your steering box is leaking. It is pretty common problem. Usually the seals wear out and fluid leaks by. To fix it you can try to put some steering leak stop oil in it (lucas oil makes the best), it may take a bottle or two and a few weeks to stop. If not you'll have to replace it.
The fluid could be leaking from the pump, hoses, or steering rack. Wash the steering system, then you can see where the leak is coming from.
Noise may be heard in a power steering line when the power steering fluid is low. Low power steering fluid may occur due to a leaking power steering pump in most cases. If the pump is not leaking, then the fluid needs to be added.
my power steering fluid on my 2002 Saturn lw300 started leaking off and on but now i have to put put fluid in everytime i want to drive it.
What makes it undriveable, symptoms
power steering or transmission
There could be many causes to a car leaking power steering fluid. There could be a hole in the reservoir, or the seals could be worn or broken.
sounds like transmisstion fluid or power steering.
That's automatic transmission fluid , or power steering fluid , so it would depend on where it is leaking from
if its leaking dont try and stop it yourself take it to a body shop it is probably the steering rack. i just had that problem with my 2000 grand prix and it ran me about 600 dollars.