Just a hypothetical situation here. Say you hadn't checked the fluid level on a self-leveling rear-end for quite a while. Not that any of us on this board would neglect a maintenance item. But let's say when you did check it, you noticed it was really low - like barely touching the little dipstick. And to continue the hypothetical situation... Let's say you were planning on driving your 1982 300TD on a long trip, and you were planning on leaving Sunday, when no Mercedes shops are open, so you couldn't buy the recommended fluid, and it's already Saturday night. Could you add brake fluid or some other type of hydraulic fluid that you could buy at Pep Boys or some place that is open on Sundays? Again, keep in mind that no one would be lazy enough to neglect a system that should be checked on a regular basis, especially a system that is expensive to repair/replace, but I just wanted to know in case I ever run into some idiot who might possibly be in such a situation.

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Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.

NO , from what I have heard when I asked that question I would not substitute another liquid.... If you were going to seek one I would look and see if the original has a military spec number... and look for something else which had a matching number...but I have been warned that all sorts of bad things will happen if you don't use the exact proper liquid.... but I hope someone ( like one of the people with Chemical backgrounds ) does have a substitute ...... I am just saying I don't think you can use anything available on a saturday night to fix your hypothetical problem.... sorry...but better to be safe than sorry on this one.... I have a 1981 td... so I have asked this same question every time I had to cough up $9 a liter ( the dealer wanted $16 a liter )... Greg

Sorry, don't have a substitute but the fluid you get from the dealer which is made by Febi, and you can get it alot cheaper elsewhere.

Use common hydraulic fluid used in excavators and such or regular ATF. Works very well.
There's no need to go buy some magic MB oil that's just been relabeled.

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/Per

MB E300TDT -98

Per, are you talking about the super sized "backhoes" used to dig dirt out of the ground ? Greg

I just checked the bottle of Febi hyd. fluid I have and there is no "Mil" spec. With regard to cost I was able to buy some for $6.82 a liter through another on-line outfit. I would rather drive it with the fluid low versus putting something foreign in it. Where did it go by the way, that it is so low?. I would stay away from using ATF. The hyd. fluid for this sys. is thinner than ATF. It is very similar in thickness and color (lack of) to brake fluid, but then again would you want to mess up an expensive sys.? How much stuff are you bringing on this trip, will it really weigh down the backend?

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

The haynes book on the car list shell aero hydralic fluid as good I bought three gallons at a very low price have used it for years,with no problems.

I believe they sell the Hydraulic fluid at NAPA

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2005 Audi A4 1.8T CVT -Silver/Black "Siegfried"

1982 300D - Silver/Blue "Ralph" -For Sale:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/119226-1982-300d-sale.html#post852260

1989 VW Diesel Jetta Blue/Blue "Bodo" RIP

Michael and Capt, thanks, guess I did not read my Haynes manual close enough... glad both of you have wagons... makes me feel better about switching... Greg

I don't have a wagon Greg, I just noticed that NAPA has hydraulic fluid when I was looking around at their various chemicals.

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2005 Audi A4 1.8T CVT -Silver/Black "Siegfried"

1982 300D - Silver/Blue "Ralph" -For Sale:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=852260

1989 VW Diesel Jetta Blue/Blue "Bodo" RIP

Capt, you don't have to be embarrassed about your wagon not looking as good as you want it to...go ahead and take some pics of it and post them... many people have wagons that look worse...I did not notice till just now that you do not even have it listed in your signature.... Greg

Thank you gentlemen for the responses. Guess I've got a leak in the system somewhere.
Rick - I'm loading the wagon with gear for a fishing trip. And yes it does kick in the self leveling system.
Michael - Thanks for the info on the Shell product, I'll look around for that. I checked my Haynes manual and could not find any specific type or brand. In fact, at the front of chapter one where they list "Recommended lubricants, fluids and capacities", the Hydraulic Oil has an asterisk that says *Consult dealer for specific approved types and brands.

Also, my Haynes manual is a bit vague on the recommended level. I notice the tank has a dipstick, but it also has a maximum mark on the outside. Is the maximum mark for filling after flushing the system and the dipstick just for maintaining the proper level?

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Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.

The older I get the less I remember.I thought It was in my haynes book maby it was in another one.Remember not all hydralic fluids are the same.I will try to find the book or the empty can and get back to you.

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.

You're a gentleman and a scholar!
Still driving the Ural?

__________________
Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.