Power steering fluid color after flush - opinion sought
 

I just did the power steering flush on the W126 as described in many articles on forum. I didn't use the turkey baster method, by the way. The instructions were quite sufficient and the process was pretty smooth.

After priming the p/s with a small amt of new fluid and flushing 3 times, I filled it up all the way and turned on the engine. The color was a little bit better after each flush. Then the new filter went in. Also, I used MB p/s fluid.

OK, it looks better than original fluid before tonight's main event in the garage, but I can't see the bottom.

Can anyone give feedback on whether or not we should flush and flush and flush until the cows come home and we can see the filter with the resevoir topped off?

Or is it OK that the fluid is once again the color of weak coffee?

Thanks.

When I did this job on my 420sel, the old fluid was dark and brownish in color looking like original fluid. So I bought some bottles of PSF from pep boys. The fluid I bought was clear and looked like laundry soap. Well anyways, after flushing and flushing, I got tired of repeating the method and stopped. I topeed off and made sure system was full. So at that point, my fluid is still dark but light enough to see the filter. I am guessing that I didnt get %100 fluid out but I know I got most of it out. I think in order to get a complete %100 flush, you have to repeat the flushing steps A LOT of times!

what you are doing is getting the last of the impacted crud from years of neglect loose.

drive it for a few weeks between flushes now...and do a flush immediately after driving to get the still suspended crud out.

"OK, it looks better than original fluid before tonight's main event in the garage, but I can't see the bottom"

That's the deal with MB - you can never see the bottom - it is a bottomless pit... Seriously though, I've done this job a couple of times already and I do not think you will ever be able to see the filter through the the PS fluid. If it was a clear plastic reservoir like the brake fluid reservoir , you probably could.
MB fluid is light in color but it takes on a dark flavor in the aluminum reservoir. The actual amount of PS fluid in the system is quite small, so it sounds like you have already flushed away the years...

Rather than flushing, I suck out the fluid and replace (turkey baster method) about 2-3 times a year. Once a year, I pull the filter and suck out all the fluid, then put in a new filter. The other times, I just suck out & replace fluid.

I've been doing this for 2-3 years now and the fluid STILL isn't clear like the new stuff is. I had ATF in the system when I bought the car, and there are still traces of it discoloring the new fluid.

Point is, I don't think you'll ever get it all out. If after changing the fluid 2-3 times it hasn't come out it probably never will! You're good enough and can leave it just like that...

Neal

i do turkey baster as well..

...my guess is that you would have to get a car new and change it once a year to see clear...

Subject car: 1999 E300D

I ordered some fresh Febi PS fluid and a PS filter. They sent me MANN H85 filter, it looks just the filter that sat in the bottom of the fluid reservoir on my W116. However, the PS reservoir on this W210 car is much smaller and I can't imagine where the filter would go. Is it applicable to the W210 cars?


Thanks.

It takes awhile to get the fluid clean enough to see the bottom. I just got the fluid in the SDL to that point.

well, this is the part I can't figure out:


How's the big filter gonna fit in that small hole :D

Instead of a turkey baster, I just use the topsider (that I have out cuz I'm changing the engine oil). Two birds with one stone, so to speak.


As far as that filter in the post above me....I dunno... looks kinda big. You sure you have the right one, and not one for a 117 or 617, etc.?

That H85 appears to be the filter for the m104 power steering (93 - 95 w124 and 96 - 97 w210(?))

I think you've got the wrong one :)

I'm not even sure those cars have a PS filter. I'd consult the dealer or Phil.

I'm not certain there is a filter, either. Unfortunately, it came from Phil.

Did you call him or order it from the site? Their are errors on the site once in awhile I'd inform him of this one.

Ordered from the site. I saw PS filter right next to the PS fluid and assumed it was appropriate. :o It won't be the 1st time I've ended up with stuff I can't use.