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

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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If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

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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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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...

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

I have PS fluid in my SD. I use the cheapo stuff, no problems.

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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]

The owners manual for my 84 300SD recommends ATF, and that's what I use.

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1984 300SD TURBO DIESEL

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.

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

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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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo

.

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.

.