mineral based P/S fluid, Is it a must? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davidlee · #1 02-17-2013, 08:36 PM

I was checking the fluid levels today and noticed that the P/S needs a top off, I have heard before to run the mineral based hydraulic oils like Pentosin.
I also know that regular P/S fluid ranges from $1.99 to about $5.99 and the Pentosin is just under $25 depending on where you shop. Now I have no problem buying it for my car if it is needed for longevity reasons, but if it is not a necessary, I would prefer to save and buy the regular P/S fluid.
I know you get out what you put in to a car, but there comes a point sometimes when the things you do become unnecessary, just wandering if this is one of those things? Thanks.

davidlee · #2 02-18-2013, 01:30 AM

ANYONE??????????

shadetreemechan · #3 02-18-2013, 07:51 AM

I use ATF in mine. My steering box has leaked for years and ATF is cheap.

Govert · #4 02-18-2013, 07:54 AM

ATF is needed for the power steering.

You might need to check why your P/S system needs a top-off.

Air&Road · #5 02-18-2013, 09:09 AM

WHICH car in your signature are you asking about?

With some cars from the late seventies on deep into the eighties, the owners manual specifies ATF, but since that manual was printed, Dexron/Mercon has gone through serious change and can damage seals in some cars. When they wrote the manual, they had no crystal ball to tell them that ATF would go through a change.

Power Steering Fluid is your best bet. There are some Honda vehicles and maybe other Japanese cars that require a specific fluid, but for any MB, Power Steering Fluid is worth the money in my experience.

PackerEdgerton · #6 02-18-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

WHICH car in your signature are you asking about?

With some cars from the late seventies on deep into the eighties, the owners manual specifies ATF, but since that manual was printed, Dexron/Mercon has gone through serious change and can damage seals in some cars. When they wrote the manual, they had no crystal ball to tell them that ATF would go through a change.

Power Steering Fluid is your best bet. There are some Honda vehicles and maybe other Japanese cars that require a specific fluid, but for any MB, Power Steering Fluid is worth the money in my experience.

Hang on Larry, I want to make sure I understand. For the vehicle in MY signature, I use ATF, usually the stuff available at Costco (It's Chevron, I believe). Are you saying that it may damage seals? Can you explain please?

P.S. I have plenty of PS fluid. I buy it by the gallon at NAPA, so it's easy to swap over, but I want to understand what's going on.

Thanks,

Packman

Squiggle Dog · #7 02-18-2013, 12:15 PM

This has been unclear to me, as well. I installed a rebuilt steering box and resealed the power steering pump in my 1980 300SD. I have been using Royal Purple MaxEZ Synthetic Power Steering Fluid for over a year and have had absolutely no leaks or bad noises so far. I hope I have been doing the right thing!

JHZR2 · #8 02-18-2013, 04:03 PM

Ive never ran ATF in any of my w123s, and when I bought them, none of the cars had ATF in them. The 236.2 or .3 power steering gear oil, which is similar to ATF, appears to typically be undyed.

The only reason to go with something besides the MB or Fuchs/Bilstein standard steering oil is because you live in a really cold climate and the pumpability is an issue.

I'd probably go with a quart of M1 or Amsoil ATF, or redline syn PSF, all for much less $.

My 91 BMW specifically states ATF. I run Mobil 1 Syn ATF and have zero complaints.

davidlee · #9 02-18-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

WHICH car in your signature are you asking about?

With some cars from the late seventies on deep into the eighties, the owners manual specifies ATF, but since that manual was printed, Dexron/Mercon has gone through serious change and can damage seals in some cars. When they wrote the manual, they had no crystal ball to tell them that ATF would go through a change.

Power Steering Fluid is your best bet. There are some Honda vehicles and maybe other Japanese cars that require a specific fluid, but for any MB, Power Steering Fluid is worth the money in my experience.

The car in question is my 87 300D