Flush your power steering - baby its gross in there - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RobTheMod · #1 11-06-2005, 08:08 AM

I don't follow the ATF thing, perhaps... I understand the reformulating idea, but I'm thinking also of other cars, like a 2002 BMW 330i I checked out the other day. It says "ATF OIL" on the PS reservoir cap itself. Would you also say that that car is chewing itself up by using the red tranny oil in the PS system? It doesn't say "Pep Boys/Circle K Clear Power Steering Fluid" on that BMW cap, it says "ATF OIL". Which is what I'd put in. Likewise on my 300SD.

My other car is an Audi 5000TQ. It is supposed to use Pentosin 7.1 CHS fluid at about $20/litre. Owing to tradition, that's what I put in it. Back in the day (1996) I put PS fluid in that car by mistake. The system began to leak. I cursed the counterman who sold me that PS fluid at the time. I replaced the rack, pump, and lines, and filled with Pentosin, and it still leaked. I eventually removed the PS pump and drove with Armstrong steering. 9 more years of playing with old Audis has taught me that the system will leak no matter what you use. I keep with Pentosin- others swear that ATF works in that system, no leaks for years!

It's a side ancedote at best. But if ATF Dexron/Mercon is not fit for you guys' steering systems, I want to know what you put in your transmissions, as most of our cars are automatics...

whunter · #2 11-06-2005, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobTheMod

I don't follow the ATF thing, perhaps... I understand the reformulating idea, but I'm thinking also of other cars, like a 2002 BMW 330i I checked out the other day. It says "ATF OIL" on the PS reservoir cap itself. Would you also say that that car is chewing itself up by using the red transmission oil in the PS system? It doesn't say "Pep Boys/Circle K Clear Power Steering Fluid" on that BMW cap, it says "ATF OIL". Which is what I'd put in. Likewise on my 300SD.
My other car is an Audi 5000TQ. It is supposed to use Pentosin 7.1 CHS fluid at about $20/liter. Owing to tradition, that's what I put in it. Back in the day (1996) I put PS fluid in that car by mistake. The system began to leak. I cursed the counterman who sold me that PS fluid at the time. I replaced the rack, pump, and lines, and filled with Pentosin, and it still leaked. I eventually removed the PS pump and drove with Armstrong steering. 9 more years of playing with old Audi's has taught me that the system will leak no matter what you use. I keep with Pentosin- others swear that ATF works in that system, no leaks for years!
It's a side anecdote at best. But if ATF Dexron/Mercon is not fit for you guys' steering systems, I want to know what you put in your transmissions, as most of our cars are automatics...

Hello RobTheMod
The easy analogy is; would you like a transfusion of red paint instead of blood??
If you where a chemical engineer, I could believe you understood reformulating an oil.
Next analogy relates to your car comparison:
Analogy #2. since you are a mammal, your next surgeon will be a Dolphin veterinary surgeon.

The car is yours, you may insert dynamite and ignite, if you choose, but do not expect others to emulate your example.

The transmission uses Dexron/Mercon 3.

The power steering systems uses clear power steering fluid or the old formulation ATF type F.

Whiskeydan · #3 11-06-2005, 11:06 AM

I have this scheduled to do soon but, I am having a tough time finding a beautiful assistant as well...

Its usually one or the other.

Padraig · #4 11-06-2005, 01:06 PM

Thanks, Phidaeux for the very good write-up on how to flush out the P.S. pump.

But I'm curious as to where to see the "Diesel Sticky' you mentioned that has photos,too.

phidauex · #5 11-06-2005, 02:06 PM

This is the 'sticky' thread I'm refering to:

DIY Pages. Overview of current pages with links. W123 basis.

It has a list of different DIY webpages for different tasks, and one of them is for flushing power steering. Unfortunately, I lied. The PS flush page has a good description, but no photos. Its an easy task though, you don't really need pictures.

peace,
sam

Diesel Giant · #6 11-06-2005, 04:57 PM

Flushing once a year and never worry about your P.S. system again.

whunter · #7 11-06-2005, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phidauex

This is the 'sticky' thread I'm refering to:

DIY Pages. Overview of current pages with links. W123 basis.

It has a list of different DIY webpages for different tasks, and one of them is for flushing power steering. Unfortunately, I lied. The PS flush page has a good description, but no photos. Its an easy task though, you don't really need pictures.

peace,
sam

power steering filter replace
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/134374-power-steering-filter-replace-post986942.html#post986942

Padraig · #8 11-07-2005, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phidauex

This is the 'sticky' thread I'm refering to:

DIY Pages. Overview of current pages with links. W123 basis.

It has a list of different DIY webpages for different tasks, and one of them is for flushing power steering. Unfortunately, I lied. The PS flush page has a good description, but no photos. Its an easy task though, you don't really need pictures.

peace,
sam

Thanks. phidauex,

Padraig

#9 11-06-2005, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodgit2

On the 210 diesels, is the procedure the same? What mileage is advisable to do the deed? Nice description and good job btw.
Steve

The procedure, other than Bills container in place of the windshield washer reservoir part, is the same for ANY vehicle MB or otherwise. Just remove the return line and place it in a container.

The return line deals with very low pressure as compared to the pressure line so it is usually easy to identify. USUALLY it is a simple hose with clamps rather than a hose with fittings, but not always. It also USUALLY is the highest hose on the pump.

Power Steering fluid is your best bet on most any car. If a car made from abot 2000 on calls for ATF, you can use ATF without worry. Anything much older may very well call for it, but that decision was made before ATF morphed into what it is today.

Good luck,

bill murrow · #10 11-06-2005, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

The procedure, other than Bills container in place of the windshield washer reservoir part, is the same for ANY vehicle MB or otherwise. Just remove the return line and place it in a container.

The return line deals with very low pressure as compared to the pressure line so it is usually easy to identify. USUALLY it is a simple hose with clamps rather than a hose with fittings, but not always. It also USUALLY is the highest hose on the pump.

Good luck,

Yes, it is low pressure but when you're turning the wheel back and forth it does gush out rather quickly. You'll get the wheel fully turned one way and then have to shut it off so you can refill. Watch out for the back splash from the pump resorvoir[sp.?]when you shut it off.

W123's have hose clamps on the low side. Don't know about the rest like the '02 BMW. Newest car I own is a '93.

Cheers,

Bill

boneheaddoctor · #11 11-06-2005, 09:12 PM

This is my next project.....on both mine...need one more filter however...

wonder who sells power steering fluid by the gallon?

bill murrow · #12 11-07-2005, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

This is my next project.....on both mine...need one more filter however...

wonder who sells power steering fluid by the gallon?

BHD....Wally Mart has quarts. Seems to me it took about 2 or 3 to get the job done. Haven't seen gallons anywhere.

I took my filter out for the flush. Mine wasn't dirty at all...just had the red in it. Still is slightly tinted.

And your lovely assistant/blueberry picker can help.

Cheers,

Bill

masoma741 · #13 06-03-2008, 06:40 AM

on my 1997 e320 w210 I used a 2 oz medical disposable syringe and a 10 cm catheter and sucked out ~250 ml of that old ps fluid; initially it had straw color then became more cloudy then I added exact amount of fresh MB ps fluid. I am planning to repeat the same steps again few months later. I think this a very practical, cheap and convenient method. I do the same for brake fluid. I know this will not fully clean the inside of the system but definately makes it visually less dirty and probably restore most of the intended function of the fluid; lubrication.

masoma741 · #14 06-03-2008, 06:41 AM

on my 1997 e320 w210 I used a 2 oz medical disposable syringe and a 10 cm catheter and sucked out ~250 ml of that old ps fluid; initially it had straw color then became more cloudy then I added exact amount of fresh MB ps fluid. I am planning to repeat the same steps again few months later. I think this a very practical, cheap and convenient method. I do the same for brake fluid. I know this will not fully clean the inside of the system but definately makes it visually less dirty and probably restore most of the intended function of the fluid; lubrication.

Jeremy5848 · #15 06-03-2008, 11:34 AM

I've also done that. Not as good as a complete flush but certainly better than nothing (which is what most people do). You can do the suck-and-refill operation every time the car is driven, you don't have to wait a month.

My '96 E300D at 248,000 miles (400,000 km) had NEVER been changed by any of the three POs. The fluid was black and the power steering occasionally refused to work at low engine RPMs (parking lot speed, just when you need power steering). I did a complete flush, used a gallon of NAPA ps fluid, made a mess, had a good time. The ps pump is definitely happier. I should do another change this year to be sure everything is cleaned out.

Jeremy