I'm changing the fluid & filter in my power steering, '87 190DT. It calls for a Mercedes fluid, doesn't tell me if it's ATF or PS fluid, ... do I need the special hydraulic oil my 4matic needed or is this something that an off-the-shelf PS fluid or ATF can do? I'd like to go with synthetic ATF if possible.

- Jeff Miller
190DT in Holland, MI

I would just use synthetic ATF.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

I have used Valvoline Synpower Power Steering Fluid. Autozone has it and has a $2.00 per quart rebate for up to three quarts.

James

Your owners manual ought to tell you what to use. Basically if you've got one serpentine belt, then use power steering fluid. If you've got separate belts for AC, alternator, etc., use ATF.

What's in it now?

Len

Thanks, and I wish it were that easy. The manual calls for "M-B Power Steering Gear Oil". This is no doubt different than the M-B Hydraulic oil I have for the 4matic, and likely just power steering fluid, but I'm hoping someone here can tell me for sure.

- Jeff Miller
'87 190DT

Some people will say that the ATF made today will cause leaks. It's not the same ATF that was available 20 years ago.

Use power steering fluid in the power steering pump.

Use ATF in the transmission.

If you do a search for "power steering fluid" you will get this:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=621141

Where you will find this:

Flush your power steering - baby its gross in there

Among other good threads.

danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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I have asked before and I really want to see some scientific fact that Dexron ATF is bad for your power steering unit. Unless I missed it, none of the past threads give anything other than personal opinion. The manual calls for it, the Mercedes 2004 Approved Factory Products booklet still approves it. I've been using it for the 24 years I've owned my 240D with nary a leak or problem. Not to doubt the naysayers, but is this a fact or is it based on one or two anecdotal trials? Does this fall into the same vein as the coolant discussions, synthetic oil, etc.? Please don't tell me to "use what you want - it's your car." I want to use the proper fluid, but I want to see the facts that speak to it.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles with ATF in the power steering
'99 E300TD 87,000 miles with PS fluid in the power steering

I used synthetic Amsoil Universal ATF in my power steering over 50k miles ago and it has yet to leak. Doesn't mean it won't leak in the future, doesn't mean it will. Call a MB service department and see what they say to use.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

The guys down at the dealer told me I didn't need to purchase any fancy MB Power Steering fluid, they told me to use "McParts" Power Steering fluid in it. I figure they know what they're talking about, at least two of them have 1980's era diesel MBs.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

If you want the factory brand of fluid, go to an independent parts dealer and purchase the Bilstein. I did and it is a clear fluid. Not expensive, but when flushing mine I used the Valvoline syn power from Autozone.

If it leaks, it is not the fluid. It is wear in the shaft. I took my pump to a hydraulic shop and had all new seals put in and it still leaked. Shaft wear cannot be corrected by new seals.

Lucas makes a great additive product that will swell the seals some. It does work.

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1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

I use cheapo PS fluid from AutoZoo, I'm sure they all come from the same container anyway.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Mobil 1, Synthetic Transmission Fluid. Period.

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Orland Park, IL
1985 300SD 215,000 miles

I'm just curious if you have ever stopped to think that your owners manual was written just before they put it in the glove compartment of your car? When they wrote it, they had no way of knowing that ATF would go through a drastic change in the coming years. That change occurred in the late eighties. As ATF morphed into what it is today, it became a formula that damages the power steering seals of that era.

If you have used Dexron long term and have no leaks, either you have some old Dexron on the shelf that you use, it has never been changed OR you should most DEFINITELY buy a lottery ticket or spend a weekend in Vegas. I have seen numerous pump shaft seals that were shot and shafts that were heavily grooved from running modern Mercon Dexron.

If you want the p/s system to remain leak free, the next time you flush and change, simply use p/s fluid from whatever store is nearby.

I've really found it difficult to understand why there are people who believe that power steering fluid is bad for a power steering system.

Now! IT'S YOUR CAR, USE WHAT YOU LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

According to my 1986, W126.125 service manual it calls for power steering fluid:

MB Power Steering oil 000 989 88 03 approx 1.2L

For the transmission it just says ATF.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
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