Power Steering Fluid--Need to Be Replaced?
 

I've got a power steering fluid leak which I need to get fixed...looks like both ends of the hose coming out of the reservoir.

While I'm at it....is there a need to replace the fluid and filter? The MB manual gives no guidance on the matter. The PO replaced the pump at 95,000 miles; it now has 186,000. I just hate to go to the unnecessary expense of replacing the fluid if a new pump is in my future anyway.

In general, what are people's thoughts about intervals? I've heard fluid every 15k, filter every 60k (so says the E Class Owner's Bible). But who knows?

Also, is any "over the counter" power steering fluid fine, or do I need to use MB stuff?


Thanks.

I just suck mine out of the pump and replace with new... i do this several times over the course of a week.

I do this every other year... no fuss, no muss.

It's anybody's guess how often fluid and filter 'should' be replaced. I like to use 30K intervals with generic power steering fluid like the Valvoline brand. The generic fluid is reportedly the same thing as Dexron but without the additives that the ps system doesn't need. I also like to use the flush method of complete fluid replacement.

Don't assume it's the pump. Check the hoses for leaks. I'm replacing my return hose right now on my 92 400E. ("A swine of a job!")

Spook

I have the leak as well, at the hose, and am doing fluid and filter after I change it since I am a little low now.

So Valvoline is the best fluid? I've never bough PS fluid. What do I need to get?

For newer cars, you should use the overpriced M-B fluid. It's probably fine for older cars, but it really is quite expensive.

Over the counter P/S fluid from the auto supply will work just fine.

There is no set interval for changing power steering fluid, but it will go a LONG way. Since you are replacing the hose, this would be a good time to do a proper flush, and filter replacement.

This is best done with what I call the "ASE Test Method." This is very simple, can be carried out quickly and does a THOROUGH job. Simply sucking out what's in the reservoir and replacing it will accomplish little or nothing.

Here's the test procedure: Have four or five quarts of fresh P/S fluid and a new P/S filter on hand. Empty the reservoir of fluid and disconnect the return line from the power steering pump and lower it down into a drain pan. This is very easily done on most all MB's. Plug the hole from which you removed the return line and stand by with two quarts of clean P/S fluid. Have an assistant start the car and begin turning the steering wheel back and forth lock to lock while you pour the P/S fluid in as it takes it. After the two quarts have been poured through and as soon as you hear the system go dry, and there will be no mistake about it, OR when your assistant finds the steering wheel very stiff to turn, immediately shut off the engine.

NOW... Remove the reservoir plug and reconnect the return line. Replace the filter at the bottom of the reservoir and fill the reservoir with fluid. Have the assistant start the engine and begin turning the wheel back and forth again while you begin filling the reservoir. Turning the wheel back and forth bleeds the system. After it is bled, working well and filled, seal it up and drive it a day, then recheck and top off the reservoir.

If this procedure is followed about every 100,000 miles, you will have long p/s life.

Good luck,

What do you recommend to use to plug the "hole from which you removed the return line"?

Thanks.

larry,great instructions but i would change one thing,follow procedure every 30,000 miles.that fluid operates at very high pressure and tends to burn in hot weather[read change colour]

Its not a bad idea to flush it every 100k miles.

I suck the resivor dry with a turkey baster every spring and fill it back up, keeps it clear. I like to be able to see the filter I'll flush it again in a few years the car doesn't get driven to much anymore.

I use MB brand PS fluid, its a bit pricey but my pump started to whine with the aftermarket stuff.

Not to hijack thread......IF I am....

Just spoke with service guy at an indie shop I've used. He says the 202 doesn't have a return line from PS to radiator. Trans does, but the fluid I noticed pooling on my belly pan is light tan and slightly oily. He says it's coolant.

Oily coolant?? Tan coolant?

Whatever this hose is, it's attached to the top left corner of the radiator, onto a platic nipple. Looks like the line goes up under the PS reservoir. What is it?

Tan Fluid
 

Check the fluid in your power steering reservoir. My 92 had the yellow dealer stuff in there. If someone mixed red Dexron with, you could get tan...

Gerry

I disagree.I've followed this procedure and have never had any problems or dirty oxidized fluid in the PS system.

It's just so much easier:kid: !