Power steering fluid - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Slow Joe · #1 04-16-2012, 05:01 PM

I searched all of 5 minutes and gave up. My power steering pump is moaning and groaning, has been for 2 months since I bought the car (86 300E). I went to check the fluid level and the tank looks half full, but there is no indicator marks as to whether it is full or not. Is it full?

Also, which fluid should I put in? I ask this because Volvo recommends that I use a certain brake fluid in my 86 245.

Thanks
Joe

JamesDean · #2 04-16-2012, 05:09 PM

I'm sure you'll hear this sooner or later. MB originally recommended ATF for the power steering fluid. However some argue that due to changes in ATF one should use regular power steering fluid. I just use regular power steering fluid.

Some power steering units have a white plastic piece on the center shaft with a marking for full ,some don't.

Ignoring the color, the level is correct.

Slow Joe · #3 04-16-2012, 05:13 PM

So, I should use butterscotch pudding then? I'll stick with PS fluid. Mine has a white plastic piece on the center shaft, but no markings. So up to just above the bottom of the plastic piece then.

Slow Joe · #4 04-16-2012, 05:16 PM

On my volvo the hose from the resevior to the pump was always greasy. Regular PS fluid would sweat through the hose. After changing to the proper fluid, no sweat

Adler · #5 04-17-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow Joe

On my volvo the hose from the resevior to the pump was always greasy. Regular PS fluid would sweat through the hose. After changing to the proper fluid, no sweat

Like to know what's the difference between a regular power steering fluid and the 'proper steering fluid' that you switched to? Brand?
Thanks
Ad

ps2cho · #6 04-18-2012, 12:30 AM

Just replaced my fluid today with valvoline maxlife power steering fluid...I'll let you guys know if I have any issues.

Replacement went smooth though. Took about 3 quarts of drain and fill method before it became acceptable.

Clemson88 · #7 04-18-2012, 08:21 AM

I thought only Febi was acceptable for the old benz nowdays?

optimusprime · #8 09-05-2018, 06:55 AM

New update on this .A modifacation for the passp it is avaliable from Mercedes for this white plastic part.On the new up dated part it will have markings so you can see the level better .Just replace the one i have after fluid change .And said in the workshop manual not to use ATF only to use the correct Power steering fluid. This is just an up date,and i do know it an old post.

Zulfiqar · #9 09-05-2018, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimusprime

New update on this .A modifacation for the passp it is avaliable from Mercedes for this white plastic part.On the new up dated part it will have markings so you can see the level better .Just replace the one i have after fluid change .And said in the workshop manual not to use ATF only to use the correct Power steering fluid. This is just an up date,and i do know it an old post.

the correct power steering fluid is ATF. You can buy the febi branded yellow power steering fluid which is actually dexron II ATF without dye - same weird stuff toyota fill at the factory which throws owners into a spin.

Its a very old ATF formula lacking the red dye.

Duner · #10 09-05-2018, 01:10 PM

I followed the advice LarryBible gave in this post. I bought a gallon of Valvoline PS fluid and flushed system like Larry said . This was a few years ago and so far so good. Mine was not making noise like yours tho.
Power steering fluid change

Kestas · #11 09-05-2018, 04:00 PM

Good writeup by LarryBible. The only thing I do differently is I have the helper turn the wheels from lock-to-lock as I am flushing the fluid. I would also prop the front wheels off the ground so the fluid doesn't come out as forcefully.

Zulfiqar · #12 09-05-2018, 04:07 PM

If you live in frigid climates you may experience that the valvoline PS fluid gels up. The ATF doesnt - it does gel but you need to get alberta level cold.

benz recommended ATF at that time of manufacture, you can find this exact fluid at Napa for under 10 dollars, or if you want another good one its motorcraft mercon V, it has very good antifoaming but has a downside, it smells like eau de skunk.

optimusprime · #13 09-06-2018, 07:52 AM

ATF is not to be used in Mercedes PAS steering system , read your manual .This is in my workshop manual instructions . You will get other members bo bo this and say its ok to use but its not..

Diseasel300 · #14 09-06-2018, 09:36 AM

Just as a datapoint, my SDL was filled with red ATF when I got it. When I flushed it out, I refilled with the "correct" Mercedes PS fluid. After about a month it started leaking profusely. Mainly from the steering box where there were 0 leaks before. I flushed it back out with about a gallon of ATF and refilled the system with fresh Max-Life ATF and it stopped leaking after about a week. Been over a year at this point and not ONE DROP leaked anywhere. If your system already has ATF in it, keep it that way if it isn't leaking.

Zulfiqar · #15 09-06-2018, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimusprime

ATF is not to be used in Mercedes PAS steering system , read your manual .This is in my workshop manual instructions . You will get other members bo bo this and say its ok to use but its not..

Yes I already read the manual.

benz filled these old cars with undyed or yellow dyed ATF at the production line, that oil is actually dexron II, today its sold as power steering oil (lenkgetriebeol) by Febi oils at NAPA stores and costs 8 or 9 dollars/liter, Even the W210 with steering rack is filled with that oil.

the cars that were specced for frigid climates used pentosin CHF or if the hydraulic pump was dual purpose with shared oil used another type of oil,

This exact same debate goes on with toyota owners who look at the reservoir on their cars and see a yellow fluid with a light motor oil smell yet the owner manual tells you to use ATF (red) and if you buy "power steering fluid" at a toyota parts counter they will hand you a bottle of T-IV ATF (red), Some people use PSF in it and wonder why the pump, lines and rack is leaking.