want to change powersteering fluid and filter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

screams1986 · #1 02-19-2009, 09:33 AM

I have a 84 mercedes benz 300 d turbo diesel and I was wanting to flush the power steering fluid out and replacing the filter. I read the diy on here but I dont know which hose is the return hose on the power steering pump, or if this is the correct way to do it. help please. Im new

rrgrassi · #2 02-19-2009, 09:37 AM

The return line is the one usually held on by clamps. The pressurized line is the premade crimped line. Standing by the front fender and looking at the side of the PS pump, the return line is the one closest to you.

Jadavis · #3 02-19-2009, 09:46 AM

If you can't get it figured out:

-drain what you can and refill with new fluid
-start the car up and turn from side to side several times (or just drive it a couple of days)

Repeat the above steps until the fluid looks nice and clean, then change the filter.

It is not the best way, but is better than doing nothing.

-Jim

JimmyL · #4 02-19-2009, 09:51 AM

Ralph has you pointed in the right direction. I would just suggest if you flush via that hose, cover the engine mount on that side so it doesn't get bathed in power steering fluid in case of spillage. Fluids and fuel kill the rubber and cause them to fail prematurely.
Jadavis offers a simpler and as he said, a bit less effective method, but it is better than nothing. I have a turkey baster for just those types of things....

rrgrassi · #5 02-19-2009, 12:29 PM

Yep, a turkey baster is great at removing PS fluid as Jimmy says. I need to do the fluid and filter change as well.

compu_85 · #6 02-19-2009, 12:46 PM

I found that removing the line and sticking it in a large container worked well. It was easy to add fluid until it came out fresh from the return. Takes a couple people though... one to turn the wheel and be ready to shut the car off, one to add fluid, and it's nice to have another to monitor the catch can.

-Jason

::matthew · #7 02-19-2009, 01:19 PM

you might want to use the turkey baster to lower the level in the reservoir prior to removing the low pressure hose.

When I flushed mine, I put the front end up on jackstands and turned the wheel back and forth, going to the extents each way. I used a milk jug placed in the washer fluid reservoir location to catch the old stuff.

I did this with the engine off and got good flow...not sure if having the engine on would have made a difference...other than it coming out faster.

compu_85 · #8 02-19-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::matthew

I did this with the engine off and got good flow...not sure if having the engine on would have made a difference...other than it coming out faster.

Ya, it comes out FAST, almost as fast as you can pour the new fluid in!

-J

Shawn D. · #9 02-19-2009, 03:32 PM

I simply used a ~4 foot long piece of 1/4" vinyl tube and siphoned the fluid out of the upper chamber of the reservoir, removed the filter and siphoned the fluid out of the lower chamber, then disconnected the upper end of the low-pressure hose and fed the siphon hose down inside it. It took maybe ten minutes to get the fluid out that way.