Just replaced fuel filter and power steering fluid/filter on my 94 C280

[hancheng]

Hi, all:

Just replaced the fuel filter and power steering fluid/filter on my 94 C280 during the weekend. Both jobs are quite straight forward and simple. However, for the fuel filter, you will always get some gas spilled on the ground more of less.

For the power steering fluid, I disconnected the tube from the radiator back to the power steering fluid reservoir, lifted two front wheels, and had a helper (who is my lovely wife) turn the steering wheel left and right to get the old fluid out of the system. The only problem I had was that I only bought one bottle (1 qt) of fluid and it seems to need a little bit more to get all the old fluid out.

Let me know if you have any questions about these two simple maintenance operations that I can answer.

[96C280]

Did you need any special tools for the fuel filter change? Clamps? I bought the filter and it only had the filter, no washer, bolts, fasteners, etc....do you use the old attachments already on the filter? Filter is on the rear passenger or driver side? Your detailed explanation of the entire procedure would be appreciated. How many miles did you have on the car and did you notice any difference after the change? Thanks.

[Kestas]

Harry, thanks for posting your experience. Since you've offered, I'm curious about the power steering fluid flush. I've always wanted to do it to my cars.

How fast does the fluid come out when you're going through the process? The only experience I've had is when I replaced a rack on my sister's car ten years ago. After the new rack was in I had to flush out the new rack with some fluid. I remember it came out rather forcefully, and I'm curious if, while doing a flush, you could keep up with the flowrate coming out, with the fluid you pour in from the bottle?

And was there a lot of force from the fluid coming out of the reservoir return tube? If so, would you recommend securing the exit part of the return tube?

[FatBoy]

Harry, thanks for your input. I've been thinking about doing this two jobs myself for awhile but can't find any article in the DIY section.

BTW, do you know if location of the power steering fluid hose is the same for a 92 300E. Can we not have the front wheels lifted but start the car and turn the steering to drive out the old fluid?

Regarding the fuel hose, i remember reading a thread somewhere that you can plug it with a screw scotch-taped to about the size of the hose. Which side of the car you'd lifted to work on the filter?? Pls advise. Thanks.