tranny same as PS fluid? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

opossum · #1 01-16-2003, 10:15 AM

Hello all,
I've heard that transmission fluid is ok to use in the power steering reservoir, and that it is actually suggested for some deisels. Mine is not a diesel but I was going to fill the PS with ATF in our 89 190e but thought I should ask you all first. is this acceptable/recommended? Reason I just dont go buy PS fluid is because I have a bunch of ATF I'm not using.
thanks for your time.

engatwork · #2 01-16-2003, 08:31 PM

Do a search but personally I use power steering fluid for the PS. Seems I have read about problems with the "newer" atf causing problems in "older" power steering systems.

opossum · #3 01-16-2003, 09:07 PM

Thanks,
I did a some searches and couldn't find the exact info I need. I think the search words are just far too common to find exactly what I want to hear. Any other input?

Ashman · #4 01-16-2003, 09:18 PM

I've put ATF in my dad's Rolls power steering and in my boat's power steering but those are GM cars. This was actually recommended by a mechanic for in case of emergency it would work fine.

Alon

#5 01-18-2003, 12:09 PM

There is a special Mercedes power steering fluid,Castrol etc in the Uk only recommend that you use that fluid not atf.
Hamish

Ken300D · #6 01-18-2003, 12:47 PM

I just started using Havolene PS fluid in my 1982 and 1987 300Ds, and this was due to emptying out the reservoir and changing the PS filters on both cars. The 1982 may have had the original PS filter in it, and the fluid was surely nasty.

The Havolene PS fluid specifically lists "Mercedes" on the label. It is a clear fluid and reminds me much more of hydraulic fluid than ATF. I think it has a higher viscosity than ATF too.

The only easy way I've found to change out PS fluid is to pull the reservoir dry with a plastic syringe and tube. This probably changes out 1/3 of the capacity at a time. There's no drain plug on the steering box is there?

Ken300D

md21722 · #7 01-19-2003, 11:51 PM

Dexron III ATF or MB Power Steering fluids are the recommended PS fluids for your car For that era, MB PS fluid is basically ATF with improved cold flow properties. U.S. PS fluid is not recommended for ANY Mercedes, and Pentosin CHF 11S (synthetic) is recommended for SOME of the newer models. One possible problem with using non-recommended fluids is incompatibility with seal materials which COULD cause leaks. For my car, I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF.

haasman · #8 01-20-2003, 12:30 AM

Brian

How long have you been using Mobil ATF for the power steering?

Haasman

md21722 · #9 01-20-2003, 12:34 AM

I've only used it about 10 days (when I installed a different steering gear - old one was previously adjusted too tight) but I know of others who have been doing it for a long time with no problems & excellent cold weather performance. I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my tranny for 67,000 miles and have no problems. In cold weather the first shift is as smooth as if the car has been running for 12 hours or its 90F outside. I ran the Febi-Bilstein "MB" PS fluid (from Fastlane) for about 55,000 miles with no problems either, but not in cold weather. At $6-7/qt for the Febi, MY opinion is that I don't think its cost effective when Mobil 1 ATF is cheaper.

haasman · #10 01-20-2003, 12:42 AM

I was curious about this topic .... I did some searching .... if you are considering ATF in the PS .... checking this thread out, especially note the difference in Dextron and Dextron II.

PS fluid for me in the power steering ......

Power Steering Fluid thread

I do like Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my tranny as well. Goood stuff.

Haasman