All,

I drained the fluid out of my P/S pump so I could move it out of the way to fix the oil cooler lines. The fluid has only been in there about 500 miles since I put it in but it is pretty dark (guess there is a lot of older crap in the system). Anyway, when I replace it again is there a specific type of ATF to use? The owners manual only says to use automatic transmission fluid.

I believe I put in Dexron III last time, but I also have an orphan quart of type F in the garage I could use. Any tips or suggestions? Thanks.

__________________
2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter)

The system doesnt care for type F or for dexron type. OTOH, Type F usually has a solid dosing of metal to metal antiwear in it like you see in hydraulic oils.

For economical and long life, buy a gallon or so of Walmarts Dex/Merc ATF and fill it with that. If you prefer the original amber colored stuff, its sold at mercedes benz dealers for about 10 dollars a qt.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

I recondition these boxes with Castrol Dextron-III/Mercon ATF F-30341.

I don't see a huge difference in the fluids between ATF and PS, the main thing is that you're changing the fluid on a regular basis. Filthy and water-logged fluid is the bigger worry.

Here's the list from MB.

Castrol Dextron-III/Mercon ATF F-30341
Castrol Transmax M-22257/22096
Chevron ATF Dextron III F-30108/30159
Citgo Multi-Purpose ATF D-21571
Exxon Superflo ATF Dextron III F-30111
Havoline ATF Mercon/Dextron-III F-30321
Texaco ATF Mercon/Dextron-III F-30321
Pennzoil ATF D-22413/F-30110
Quaker State Dextron-III/Mercon F30161
Sunoco ATF Dextron-III/Mercon F-30176
Unocal Multi-Purpose ATF D-22412/22431
Valvoline ATF Type D


If its getting dirty that quickly then drain and fill again might help. It could also be that your lines are deteriorating from within.

__________________
Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

It should be noted that that list preceded the expiration of all Dexron III licenses over a decade ago. (It is also worth noting that there is no "T" in Dexron.)

__________________
When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

I use the MB brand PS fluid. Costs about the same

Sound like the rubber hoses are degrading internally. I have a post on re-rubbering them and a "Fix it" article on another site. I know the h.p. hose in my 1984 was bad because I noticed a small drop forming in the center of the hose (leaking thru) when pressurized (steering turned). I had wondered why it was always a little wet. I think power steering is fairly flexible, which is why there have long been universal fluids. But ATF usually works fine, and some spec it, like M-B. Chrysler issued a TSB to replace with ATF+4 whenever doing "extensive work", which I assume applies even to my 1960's cars, so I use that. Might have used in my 300D's since I have jugs. ATF+4 is fully-synthetic and costs a bit more. Funny that some Dodge owners found that the p.s. fluid jugs sold at the dealer were just relabeled ATF+4 up-priced. Most "universal ATF" is really only for Dexron (GM) or Mercon (Ford). Might use whatever automatic transmission fluid you use in your car, which is another topic (often heated). Ditto for the hydraulic fluid for 300TD wagons with SLS.

__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans