what kind of power steering fluid in my 80sd - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

biopete · #31 02-11-2015, 04:28 AM

I recall in my owners manual for a 1980 benz it specifically said use ATF for the power steering . Anyone have one to check?

I've heard using atf in the newer racks of a W210 or a VW will cause the rack to leak. They were very specific about using the correct fluid for the rack. I recently bought a bottle of MB ps fluid at the dealer. It looks reddish brown. A lot like ATF and almost exactly like MB ATF but about 10.00 cheaper per bottle. But it doesn't look anything like the chf11 I have for the VWs. That stuff is clear. Is it ok to use the chf11 in newer benz's?

Fluids and lubricant bottle labels are very confusing and a lot of work to decode. I wish they would spell out whats in them and what effects the ingredients can have on various rubber seals and viscosities and such and have basic useful information.

Also i think that MB tries to make their fluids backward compatible with older cars so they just have to carry one fluid. As someone pointed out on another thread, for some things it maybe better to use teh oldr spec fluid. I wonder if its better to use the 236.10 in older transmissions than the 236.14 ?

SD Blue · #32 02-11-2015, 10:22 AM

Hmm... this has turned into another oil thread. The OP original complaint was that the MB power steering fluid was "so expensive". However, when I looked here on PeachParts, I found this: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Base Sedan - Accessories and Fluids - Page 3

Many comments have pointed to "alternatives" that are so much "cheaper". I'm sorry but I can't see where $10/liter is so expensive for a fluid that you change so rarely. I've checked online and most of the "alternatives" run ~$7-8/liter and up.

Charlie Foxtrot · #33 02-11-2015, 07:55 PM

You are absolutely right about fluid changes being rare. Most failures I see look like they've never been changed (mud). I think most folks who are worried about the high price of MB juice aren't changing it, they are topping off a leaky system. Cheers - my $0.02 worth.

jbach36 · #34 02-12-2015, 10:22 PM

In my 1991 300d, it was leaking when I bought the car 7 years ago so I put in Valvoline Stop Leak. It hasn't leaked since and I read up on it before I bought. Other sealers temporarily puff up your seals, then they fail one you one day all of the sudden. From memory, this stuff REJUVENATES the rubber.

rob300SD · #35 02-15-2015, 01:31 AM

My manual for my '80 300SD says ATF. I would say Dex III would be right for it.

Zulfiqar · #36 02-16-2015, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orv

The SLS fluid, at least for the older cars, is actually an obsolete aircraft hydraulic fluid. The owner's manual for my 1981 300TD has a list of acceptable fluids that includes Aeroshell Fluid 4. Your local FBO will know it as MIL-H-5606A and have it in gallon cans.

This is not the same stuff you want to put in your power steering reservoir. For one thing it's rather thin compared to Dexron III.

I have heard that the seals and diaphragms in the SLS system are incompatible with ATF and will soften and fail if you use it. I did briefly have "tractor fluid" in my system and it stopped a couple minor leaks, which I suppose suggests seal swelling that could turn into degradation over time.

A mechanic freind of mine had that same gallon can of the mil fluid and he used it in MB SLS cars... lol.. I didnt know it was actually the same approved product. Learnt something new