What is the SPECIFIED steering fluid for an 86 300SDL?

[shertex]

In other posts I have expressed interest in discussing the merits of using ATF vs. power steering fluid in the steering system....that's not my point here.

I don't have a manual for my 1986 300SDL. Can anyone who has a manual tell me what MB specifies for fluid for the steering system? Is it ATF or power steering fluid?

I had been under the impression that it was ATF. But I've read several things lately that indicate that the cutoff was 1985....that all MBs 1986 and later specify power steering fluid.

Thanks.

[ChiefRider]

I just installed a new ps pump, flushed system and am running ps fluid. No problems. I'll double check my manual later.

[sokoloff]

I thought they recommended power steering fluid about the time they went to the single serpentine belt which I thought was late 80's?

[shertex]

Originally Posted by sokoloff

I thought they recommended power steering fluid about the time they went to the single serpentine belt which I thought was late 80's?

Serp belt first used in 1985.

[Air&Road]

Your best bet is PS fluid from the parts store. Even if the manual specifies ATF, Dexron ATF went through a change in the early nineties that made it bad for seals in many PS systems of the 80's and earlier. Since they had no way of knowing that ATF would change, they didn't know not to specify it for the future.

I've run a total of about a million miles in MB's and have learned to use PS fluid. It's expensive, but muich less costly than having to replace seals in your PS system.

[ottomatic]

Why not support this forum & buy here. Year Listing - Peachparts

I m saying this because so many of the forums I go to are beng taken over and then bombarding the site with ads & pop-ups
Looks like this site has just wen tot **** because of Verticalscope - Dodge Durango Forum and Dodge Dakota Forums

Vertical Scope - AutoForums.com - Working hard to destroy the internet forum! - Auto-Trend Repairs and Service Information Forums

[vstech]

Originally Posted by ottomatic

Why not support this forum & buy here. Year Listing - Peachparts

I m saying this because so many of the forums I go to are beng taken over and then bombarding the site with ads & pop-ups
Looks like this site has just wen tot **** because of Verticalscope - Dodge Durango Forum and Dodge Dakota Forums

Vertical Scope - AutoForums.com - Working hard to destroy the internet forum! - Auto-Trend Repairs and Service Information Forums

YES!!!!!

this is EXACTLY the reason I'm harping all the time to members NOT to post alternative sites for parts!!!

Thanks for acknowledging this here!!!

[ottomatic]

Originally Posted by vstech

YES!!!!!

this is EXACTLY the reason I'm harping all the time to members NOT to post alternative sites for parts!!!

Thanks for acknowledging this here!!!

Some people (myself included) aren't aware of the dynamics and the workings of a website. Including who owns them.

Just trying to keep this one Ad free.

[shertex]

Anyway.....still simply hoping someone can check an 86 SDL owner's manual and tell me what the specified fluid is.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by shertex

Anyway.....still simply hoping someone can check an 86 SDL owner's manual and tell me what the specified fluid is.

The SAFE thing to do is to use Power Steering Fluid. It is expensive, but will not harm the system and will lubricate the system properly.

IF someone replies to your question indicating that the manual specifies ATF, do NOT use Dexron. It was changed AFTER that manual was written and will not be good for the seals.

If the manual specifies ATF and you STILL insist on using it, use Type A if you can find it. Do NOT use Dexron or Mercon.

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by shertex

Serp belt first used in 1985.

I think that would be 1984 on the 190d 2.2

[shertex]

That's my inclination too. The PO used ATF and I'm gradually migrating over to PSF. Still, I'm curious what the manual says.

Originally Posted by Air&Road

The SAFE thing to do is to use Power Steering Fluid. It is expensive, but will not harm the system and will lubricate the system properly.

IF someone replies to your question indicating that the manual specifies ATF, do NOT use Dexron. It was changed AFTER that manual was written and will not be good for the seals.

If the manual specifies ATF and you STILL insist on using it, use Type A if you can find it. Do NOT use Dexron or Mercon.

[Air&Road]

If I'm correct in understanding that you are adding P/S fluid to a system that already has ATF, it would be really good for the system to flush it and put in P/S fluid. Be a good time to change the filter to.

The flushing process is quick and easy, but don't get the idea to flush with solvent. Flush with P/S fluid. If you are not familiar with the flushing process, let me know and I will outline it for you.

I don't have one of these cars to check the manual. It's sad that you don't have the manual. It amazes me that so many people throw away the manual, and I have no idea why. Then the next owner, who might want the manual doesn't have it.

[shertex]

Well, it is leaking a bit (not dramatically), so if I want to do it right I would need to replace the seals first (not a difficult job, I'm told...but it would be nice to find a write up). Filter has already been replaced. For good or ill, my method for renewing power steering fluid has been to drain and fill the reservior every 10k miles or so.

On another post I posed the question of ATF and PSF compatibility. I currently don't have any real concerns about mixing fluids. Before I tear into the pump, I'm interested to see if PSF wth stop leak slows or stops the leak.

Originally Posted by Air&Road

If I'm correct in understanding that you are adding P/S fluid to a system that already has ATF, it would be really good for the system to flush it and put in P/S fluid. Be a good time to change the filter to.

The flushing process is quick and easy, but don't get the idea to flush with solvent. Flush with P/S fluid. If you are not familiar with the flushing process, let me know and I will outline it for you.

I don't have one of these cars to check the manual. It's sad that you don't have the manual. It amazes me that so many people throw away the manual, and I have no idea why. Then the next owner, who might want the manual doesn't have it.

[qwerty]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

It amazes me that so many people throw away the manual, and I have no idea why.

Even more amazing is the people who have the manual, but have never read it.

Originally Posted by shertex

Before I tear into the pump, I'm interested to see if PSF wth stop leak slows or stops the leak.

Lucas PS additive is guaranteed to work, or you get your money back.