Urgent: ATF instead of power steering fluid? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stretch · #1 04-09-2016, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w123fanman

Everything I have read recently says to NOT use ATF in the power steering system. It will work but additives in the ATF will cause premature wear to the steering box. This is why W123 and earlier steering gears wear out so quickly. I have a 190D with 320k miles with much less steering play than a 240D with 140K miles. Use Mercedes spec power steering fluid.

Using ATF short term is fine, just don't use it long term.

Sorry chap - I don't think this is correct.

As Zulfiqar stated =>

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

MB did fill these car steerings with ATF, dexron II to be exact. No issue in using dexron III on there. Be wary that it will permanently tint the system red.

You can use generic PSF, but it will be thicker to pump when cold. Orielly's sell a PSF which is close to ATF viscosity - its called masterpro PSF.

The steering oil you buy from mercedes benz is actually ATF DII. its also sold by LubroMoly in 1 liter packaging, Its most probably undyed ATF.

Look at the approved fluids lists - look at the FSM - look in the maintenance manual => all ATF for W114/5/6 W126 W124 W201 models. After that I don't know what happened - never owned anything that new before!

w123fanman · #2 04-09-2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Sorry chap - I don't think this is correct.

As Zulfiqar stated =>

Look at the approved fluids lists - look at the FSM - look in the maintenance manual => all ATF for W114/5/6 W126 W124 W201 models. After that I don't know what happened - never owned anything that new before!

I haven't really seen what Mercedes says, when I looked last night, their website was down, but the various threads I read when I did my power steering fluid suggested not to use the modern Dextron stuff because of additional additives for the transmission clutches. Our favorite youtube mechanic Kent just posted a video yesterday about the same issue. I just use Mercedes or Febi power steering fluid because that's what those threads have suggested. Here's one such thread:

Is DEXRON OK in power steering

Zulfiqar · #3 04-09-2016, 02:59 PM

the steering uses this oil for hydraulic motive and the reason ATF is specified is that power steering fluid does not follow any performance specification.

This clause opens a can of worms. the generic power clear/amber power steering fluid you buy from stores is nothing more than ISO46 oil, ATF has defined standards - and mercedes benz chose that because it works perfectly and can be understood easily even at the african trading post in the sahara and also understood at autozone and works like prescribed.

When MB went to the modern super low visosity pentosin oil - they only did so to up the fuel economy numbers and also deem it filled for life (filled for life is very welcome by accountants and lease owners alike). A lot of older BMWs using that are now on ATF fill and some are even on ISO32 hydraulic oil without issues.

Toyota are also in the same boat as mercedes benz when it comes to PSF, the original fill is an amber colored liquid which smells like motor oil, the cap says dexron ATF. If you want to buy replacement fluid they sell you their usual red atf