I just replaced my p.s. filter in my 83' 300D and the new filter looks much different than the one that came out. The replacement is a Mann from fastlane and looks like a small air cleaner with a metal top and bottom. What came out was in three pieces, a metal top and bottom and a rigid, fiber like filter section. If I've got the right replacement I'm curious why they seem so different.

I think its just a design change - but functionally the same. In addition to changing out what is probably the original filter from 1983, you could probably stand changing as much of the fluid as possible too.

Did this not long ago on the 1982 300D and had the same experience as you with the filter.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Well that what came out should be one piece
but probably was never changed and fell
apart due to age.

Louis.

Both my diesels had this filter type. They are actually three pieces.

The filter element is a porous ceramic like material.

My question is whether this filter element can be soaked in a
cleaning solution for re-use??
Just curious , I replaced them with the new Mann filters.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Re-use an 18+ year old filter!? Are you mad!?

Yes....., anyway my inquiry begs the question, what is the filter element material composition and can it be cleaned in solvent?

Inquiring minds like to know!!

Alfred E. Neuman

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Hi Alfred.

I guess you could soak and clean the filter but
for the $3.60 it costs new why would you.

Since it sits in powersteering fluid for many
years,a little cleaning solvent won't harm it.


Louis.

can anyone tell me where this filter is and how you change it? I've never heard of it and have over 382k on my veh!!

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85 300TDT 456,000 orig. miles

mb123mercedes, I know I am smoking out any possible trivia or fact on the old style filters. I won't re-use it but it seems that the way it was all put together may elude to a re-usability that was not generally explained to the public.
I have a vintage unused gas filter that is housed in a chrome and glass container and uses similar 'ceramic' like filter.
A work of art like that usually indicates re-usability for the savvy.

82300td, the filter is at the bottom of the power steering reservoir.

Open the lid, There is a center spring that is held down by a metal
'washer'. Just pull this 'wasger' up from the center threaded shaft
or try using an unscrewing motion.
Sometimes the spring is loose and not com[ressed by the washer.
Anyway, use a suction device like liquid soap dispenser handle
to remove old fluid into a jar.
Stop when you get level to the hose opening. Oherwise you may let in air and then you have to bleed it.
You should be able to see the filter through the shallower fluid.
Use a wire like a cut piece of coat hanger and your fingers to fish the filter out.Old style has a metal cap up top, the cylindrical filter in middle and anoyher metal cap at the bottom.
Newer style is one piece likea tiny air filter.

Install new Mann filter with holes upward and make sure it sits all the way down.
Replenish with power steering oil/fluid or trans fluid.
I believe that Larry Bible recommends type A trans fluid for better lubrication. look up in archives. Dexron 3 has fewer lubricants needed by power steering system.

A more thorough draining of fluid is more complicated. Look it up in archives.

Good Luck.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Make sure that you flush out the system really well, and replace the filter. Make sure you use a high quality Dexron III. Also keep in mind that this needs to be done every 1-2 years, to make sure that expensive steering components don't need to be replaced.

Yeah,I know Alfred.

They don't make them like they used to.
Eversince we entered the throw-a-way era
very few parts get rebuild and even fewer
get re-used.

People got to depend on this so much that
they have no time,now its,remove and replace
with new.
Wich is good for parts manufacturers, OE and
aftermarket alike because they will never run
out of business.
And this is what keeps the economy going.

For me,if it's rebuildable I'll atleast try and if I f%&*up
the part, well then it's my f!@#up and time to
buy a new part.

Louis.

Will normal store-label (Generic autozone brand) powersteering fluid do any harm? When I got my TD the PS pump tank was about empty to the point that it was less tyhan 1/8" of fluid above the filter. I don't feel there are any problems with it, it steers smooth just like the others I have test driven.