The recent episode with the Jensen the repair guy said you could use either power steering fluid or transmission fluid in the power steering pump. I thought the fluids had different properties? Is this legit? I won't do it but I am curious.

__________________
Sent from an agnostic abacus

2014 C250 21,XXX my new DD ** 2013 GLK 350 18,000 Wife's new DD**

- With out god, life is everything.
- God is an ever receding pocket of scientific ignorance that's getting smaller and smaller as time moves on..." Neil DeGrasse Tyson
- You can pray for me, I'll think for you.
- When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.

I had one car (Volvo 240, I think) that actually recommended use of Dexron ATF in the steering.

The Volvo 240's are great cars.

__________________
For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get.
For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.

Clk's Ebay Stuff BUY SOMETHING NOW!!!

If you do a bit of searching this is a topic which has been debated. Some say the additives in modern ATF will screw up the seals in the olde MB power steering. At some point (1989 I think?) MB switched to green mineral oil for the power steering. I have generic power steering fluid in my car right now, when I got it it was filled with AFT (probably installed when the engine was swapped).

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Depends on the year and the seals in the steering pump IIRC. Some older units used ATF but most are PSF

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I just checked the owner's manual for my 91 and it says to use "MB Power Steering Fluid" which I assume is the green mineral oil stuff.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12253/program/OM/OM-112.pdf

I think the bigger issue is having mixed fluids or changing after seals have gotten used to an existing fluid for years.

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

It just depends on who made the system and what seal material they used. Given the time frame of when it was built, I believe the safest bet is Power Steering Fluid from the parts house.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Red dye is a property i guess--its all just hydraulic fluid.

I use ATF in the powersteering on my W124.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

You are partially correct. It all CONTAINS hydraulic fluid. It also contains ADDITIVES. Some of the fluids have additives that attack certain seal materials.

Functionally, yes any hydraulic fluid will work, for a while. IF it is not compatible with the seals causing them to leak the fluid out, it won't work until fluid is replenished.

It's important to match the correct fluid for the health of the seals.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

The early 124 cars were built in the period before the changes to Dexron/Mercon. Using modern Dexron/Mercon in this p/s system may very well lead to failed seals and rubber parts. These cars are very good candidates for being safe and using Power Steering Fluid from the parts store. It will cost more at about $3 a quart, but even at this price will be WAY less expen$ive than replacing steering components.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

And some cars, such as some Audi's and almost all Roll-Royce, require mineral oil which is about $25 a quart. RR's Silver Shadows also use it in the brake system.

Some older Honda's also use a PS fluid that is unique to Hondas.

When in doubt ask the dealer, and while you are there buy a quart from them. I recently did this for my wife's Pontiac G8 and the fluid was $13 a quart. High compared to AutoZone, but cheap compared to rebuilding the PS system.