Hydraulic Fluid Substitute for self-leveling suspension? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #31 05-24-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrg

The oil used in the MBZ system is a mineral based oil that is basically the same as the oil used in Rolls Royce and Citroen suspension systems. Using any kind of petrolium based oil or brake fluid will destroy your seals throughout the system! For the Citroens at least you used to be able to find various brands of fluid at a good foreign oriented parts store. The container usually had some form of green label which was the "code" for the mineral based oil. I know I have seem a Castrol version of this in a small plactic bottle at some Beck Arnley stores in Southern California. And yes, it is far more expensive than most other oils. I absolutely would NOT use anything other than a mineral based oil in these systems even if only temporarily. It won't take much to kill all your seals.

is iso 46 mineral based? I've read that it's compatible with the SLS...

compu_85 · #32 05-24-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orv

Anyone know if Pentosin is an acceptable substitute? It's not any cheaper but it is much easier to come by around here.

Audis with the self leveling suspension use it, so it's probably close if not the same.

Merc 1979 · #33 05-24-2011, 10:51 PM

Here in Australia, I have been using Penrite MB15 for about a year now with no problems.
http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/specialty-automotive-products/mb15_levelling_fluid

bamba · #34 05-25-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

is iso 46 mineral based? I've read that it's compatible with the SLS...

ISO-46 is relatively easy to find and cheap... available at Tractor Supply

Johnt49 · #35 05-25-2011, 11:15 AM

ISO 46 is the viscosity (equivalent to SAE 20 wt) and has nothing to do with the chemical composition of the fluid.

thayer · #36 05-25-2011, 01:04 PM

ISO 46 goes in the forks in my motorcycle and the SLS in my wagon

Beastie · #37 05-25-2011, 05:19 PM

I had a severe hose leak for the SLS on my 500E a few years back. I found a mineral based replacement I believe from Castrol ? Got it from a shop that handled Range Rover parts . FWIW

panZZer · #38 05-25-2011, 06:14 PM

What U need is my pump, just listed in parts.

mobetta · #39 05-25-2011, 07:54 PM

I have been using ISO type 46 in my sls system for over three years, including the cold MN winters, with absolutely no problems. we had 12 days without reaching above ZERO degrees F last winter, over 40 days without breaking the freezing point.

I load my wagon w/ so much junk somedays that most peeps would cringe(like 4.5 sq 35yr shingles, or 28 6x8x16 CMUs+ 3 60lb bags mortar mix,etc) and everytime she raises right up with no problems.

maybe not for everyone, but if you like keeping your money in your pocket instead of the dealers, consider spending $20 on a 2 gal jug instead of $18/l.

warmblood58 · #40 05-25-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael rybikowsky

I found it.It is in my Chiltons book.It says that Mercedes only reccomends four Fluids.I will list them.aral1010.gasolin1010.shelltellust-17.andthe one I use.Shell Aero Fluid 4.I hope this helps good luck Michael.

Its time for me to do a flush and refill on my '84 euro spec td -this time I am going to use the shell aero 4 product!

Johnt49 · #41 05-26-2011, 12:07 PM

I just got done doing some research on this. Back when MB approved those fluids the MIL SPEC was MIL-H-5606A with a viscosity of ISO 15. It's now MIL-PRF-5606H (Shell Fluid 41, etc). The new spec is backwards compatible to 5606A & is much easier to get locally for around $30. Fluid 4 is around $23, but is not as easy to find since repair facilities would rather only keep one fluid in stock. If ordered online, the $20 shipping makes the fluid 4 a more expensive option.

strelnik · #42 05-26-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnt49

I just got done doing some research on this. Back when MB approved those fluids the MIL SPEC was MIL-H-5606A with a viscosity of ISO 15. It's now MIL-PRF-5606H (Shell Fluid 41, etc). The new spec is backwards compatible to 5606A & is much easier to get locally for around $30. Fluid 4 is around $23, but is not as easy to find since repair facilities would rather only keep one fluid in stock. If ordered online, the $20 shipping makes the fluid 4 a more expensive option.

Hyken Glacial Blue and the equivalent, which are used in multiple systems, is usable here as well, Its only difference from the 5606 MIL STD is that it starts to get thick at - 80 F and the MIL wants it to last to - 100F.

I have it in two cars with SLS-type suspension, works good 8.00 a gallon.

Johnt49 · #43 05-26-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

Hyken Glacial Blue and the equivalent, which are used in multiple systems, is usable here as well, Its only difference from the 5606 MIL STD is that it starts to get thick at - 80 F and the MIL wants it to last to - 100F.

I have it in two cars with SLS-type suspension, works good 8.00 a gallon.

I'd love to find some for $8. Yesterday I was quoted $99.90 for 5 gal (the smallest quantity they sell and 4 more than I need or want plus it's a 5hr round trip to the nearest distributor).
Since it doesn't meet the MIL SPEC it is of very little use here in Fl. It's primary use seems to be in snow plows & bucket trucks in cold climates. I'd use it in a heartbeat if I could find some at your price.

warmblood58 · #44 05-26-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

is iso 46 mineral based? I've read that it's compatible with the SLS...

btw, I recently added a non petroleum seal conditioner (should be great for mineral oil based applications) to my SLS system as it wanted to slowly drop over three days as measured from center of wheel to fender lip. It worked! I had already replaced high pressure hose, accumulators, SLS valve and tightened all connections. I noticed the change after about a week -my guess is that I had some fatigued seals that swelled enough as a result of product use. I had 26 cases of wine -well over 1,500 pounds in my car last week, SLS worked like a champ, great engineering from MBZ!

Orv · #45 08-25-2011, 08:30 PM

I just picked up a gallon jug of Aeroshell Fluid 4 for $36 at National Aviation Supply, so that's an option for those of you in the Seattle area. I like to buy fluids locally whenever I can because shipping on liquids is always expensive.