I had to replace the pressure power steering hose recently on my 1982 300SD. I thought it was a good opportunity to change the PS filter and fluid. Since I was having a little seepage around the Pitman arm, I tried Valvoline's Max Life Power Steering fluid. After a couple of thousand miles, I now have more than seepage. Other than the leak, this steering box is in good condition with an acceptable amount of play.

Here are my questions:

1. Did make a mistake using Valvoline power steering fluid instead of ATF?
2. Should I change out the power steering fluid with ATF and add some ATF anti-leak?
3. Can I just take off the housing adjacent to the Pitman shaft WITHOUT removing the Pitman shaft so that I can replace the two o-rings and seal? (The mesh adjustment is fine on this unit without excessive play) I see where seal kits are readily available from Meyle. I would probably want to replace the upper seals as well.

Any other suggestions or warnings from those who have done this job would be appreciated.

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Tom Evans
69 280SE 91K (wish I still had it)
73 220D 98K
78 300D 134K
78 300D 185K
81 300SD 301K (still have)
82 300SD 321K (still have)
84 300D 268K
84 6.2 Diesel GMC Suburban 225K (a whole different story!)

I've used that PS fluid for many years. no issues.
if you have a leak, it's due to wear, not the fluid. I have no experience fixing leaks in the gearbox, sorry.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Wouldn't "power steering fluid" be better for the pump than the thinner ATF? Not meaning to stur anything up by contradicting the FSM

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"