OT: Honda Power steering fluid
 

Hi,

My 83 300D makes some groaning noises when steering when first started for the day. I checked the PS fluid and it is a little low. Whenb I went to the store, I noticed there are two distinct types, fluid for Honda/acura cars, and fluid for all other cars. The honda fluid must have something special in it that makes its use required. I guess it must be for seal compatability, or operating temperatures/pressures, or something like this.

My question is, it is more expensive, and seems to be a superior fluid. would there be any benefot to using Honda fluid on non honda cars, like in my MB, when PS fluid is specified? If used, will it ruin parts of the PS system in non-honda cars?

Any info is most appreciated.
Thanks

JMH

Stick with the power steering fluid in the MB. You will not see any benefit in running the Honda fluid in this application.

I totally agree with Jim. To answer your curiosity question, I would bet that the reason is as you suggested, seal compatibility. As far as performance goes, liquid is liquid. The rest of the considerations just have to do with adequate lubrication capability, which any oily fluid should have and the fact that it does not attack the seals so that it can stay put.

My $0.02,