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  #1  
Old 08-04-2006, 07:29 PM
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Power Steering Fluid ?

I want to change the filter and flush the system. Thats not the problem,
I am getting different information about the fluid to use. 1. use MB power steering fluid. (is it any different than the other fluids) 2. use mineral oil. or
3. use dextron.
What is the proper fluid to put into my 82 300sd?
Thanks for your help

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  #2  
Old 08-04-2006, 07:35 PM
crashone's Avatar
1983 300SD, 4 speeed
 
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Location: Raleighish, NC
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When I changed mine I used transmission fluid. Reccomended by some people that work on these cars. So next time I change tranny fluid and filter I will change that out too.
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  #3  
Old 08-04-2006, 07:45 PM
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Location: Milford, CT
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Whatever you do don't use ATF, you will be begging for leaks if you do.

Just an FYI, when I first changed the fluid in the SDL I used Febi, and the pump would whine on cold mornings. Flushed that out with MB PS fluid and the whine went away...MB fluid is much thinner.
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  #4  
Old 08-04-2006, 09:30 PM
123c
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Use Mobil 1 ATF, that stuff is the best, that is what I use in all my cars that require ATF for power steering fluid...
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  #5  
Old 08-04-2006, 10:14 PM
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Location: Eastern TN
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The manual in MBs up to 85 says to use ATF. Post 85 use PS fluid. I'm not sure if it's a change in PS seals or an industry change from Dexron II to Dexron III. I use Febi PS fluid with no ill effect but it doesn't get as cold here as where H'guy is.

Sixto
... stay tuned
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  #6  
Old 08-04-2006, 11:43 PM
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Thumbs up

I have PS fluid in my SD. I use the cheapo stuff, no problems.
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  #7  
Old 08-05-2006, 12:33 AM
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I bought Valvoline high mileage Power Steering Fluid in the red bottle.

Have not had any problems.
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  #8  
Old 08-05-2006, 06:17 AM
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Guys, there are a number of approved power steering fluids listed in "Factory Approved Products". I posted a few pertinent pages a month ago - - can't find them now.

The fluids are:
  • ATF
  • MBz PS fluid (FEBI)
  • Pentosin CHF11S (the green stuff)
  • FUCHS* PS/load leveling rear fluid for wagons (with tandem pumps)


I am not inferring these fluids are interchangeable; they are based on specific application so you MUST check your OM for your car. Again, ATF is and was an approved fluid.


*dealer only
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  #9  
Old 08-05-2006, 09:31 AM
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Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall42
I want to change the filter and flush the system. Thats not the problem,
I am getting different information about the fluid to use. 1. use MB power steering fluid. (is it any different than the other fluids) 2. use mineral oil. or
3. use dextron.
What is the proper fluid to put into my 82 300sd?
Thanks for your help

The owners manual for my 84 300SD recommends ATF, and that's what I use.
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  #10  
Old 08-05-2006, 09:46 AM
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I can tell you from experience..........DO NOT USE Dexron. The fluid causes the seals to distort and you'll have leakage all over the place. The owner's manual recommendation for transmission fluid must be referring to a fluid other than Dexron.

Either use straight power steering fluid or get the fluid from the dealer.
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  #11  
Old 08-05-2006, 09:53 AM
Sportlines
 
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Location: Johnson City, TN
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ATF may have been approved way back then, but current ATF's may be different chemically, than they used to be. There are also different types of
ATF.

Again, this is more quibbling about a very, very small dollar difference in price spread over a very long number of months.

Why risk damaging your power steering pump just to challenge the factory approved fluids list?

I just don't understand the logic.

Steve
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  #12  
Old 08-05-2006, 05:47 PM
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Zero
 
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Location: Milford, CT
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Use ATF if you want but I know two people off the top of my head on this forum that had there PS pumps start to leak like crazy when they put ATF in.

Talk to Bill M and Brian about how great it is.
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  #13  
Old 08-05-2006, 05:55 PM
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I used Dexron ATF in the bimmer a long time ago when I swapped out my p/s hoses. Now I have a leak somewhere that I can't find because I have to add fluid every six months or so. I've got three quarts of Valvoline p/s fluid and a new filter ready to go in as soon as I can snag a helper to turn the wheel for me.
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  #14  
Old 08-05-2006, 07:27 PM
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Location: Toronto , Canada
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.

I believe the lads are correct in saying that Dextron 2 or 3 will sooner/later cause leaks.
I used to use it in leaky systems since it was cheap and would piss out at a prodigous rate.

The correct ATF that is spot on to Power steering fluid with the red colour is ATF Type " F " fluid. The stuff of Ford legend.
This stuff will not cause any problems.
But guess what ?
It is just as expensive as PS fluid, so hit up Wallymart for some cheap PS fluid and be done with it.

.
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  #15  
Old 08-05-2006, 07:27 PM
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1981 300 SD
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 351
Question Saw this just in time...

I am so glad I saw this thread. I had planned to do my power steering fluid and filter yesterday, but time got away from me.

I bought the filter from DieselGiant.com. The "How To" section there lists any "Dexron ATF" as being fine. That was what I was going to use. I mean, shoot, I look to that web site as a source of expert information from a tech that knows his stuff and has years of experience.

If I have digested this information correctly, I am at best taking a big risk using the Dexron III ATF in my '81 300 SD; however, I should be fine using anything labeled as Power Steering fluid off the shelf of my local Auto Zone?

Am I understanding this correctly?


Last edited by firemediceric; 08-05-2006 at 07:30 PM. Reason: More to say
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