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  #1  
Old 03-11-2003, 02:10 PM
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Question Power Steering Fluid

Couldn't find the Power Steering Fluid reservoir in my 93 300E.
Not sure if the fluid had ever been changed in previous services.

Do i use ATF or need specific fluid?

How often should i change it?

Thanks very much for your advise.

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  #2  
Old 03-11-2003, 03:22 PM
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Follow the arrow to the power steering fluid reservoir.
Attached Thumbnails
Power Steering Fluid-93-300e-underhood.jpg  
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  #3  
Old 03-11-2003, 03:53 PM
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Here is how: Changing Power Steering Fluid

Be sure and replace the power steering filter also. They are inexpensive and make a difference!

Keep us posted,

Haasman
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  #4  
Old 03-11-2003, 06:47 PM
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use ATF for the fluid. It's only in some recent models, like 2000 and newer, that some MB models require a specific P/S fluid. This is according to the MB "Approved Service Products List", Nov. 2001.
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  #5  
Old 03-13-2003, 10:09 AM
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Thank you all for the advise. I'll give it a try this weekend.
BTW, it is a 92 300E not 93.
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  #6  
Old 03-13-2003, 04:08 PM
LarryBible
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DO NOT use ATF for power steering fluid, even if the manual in your older car says so. ATF has changed drastically in recent years and has been improved for use in automatic transmissions. It will damage the seals in your power steering system.

Go to the auto supply or somewhere and get a few quarts of "Power Steering Fluid." It is more expensive than ATF, but darn well worth it to prevent seal damage.

It never hurts to flush the system when changing it. To do this use a couple of extra quarts of PS fluid. Put a pan under the pump and remove the return hose from the reservoir and place it in the drain pan. Have someone start the engine and begin pouring the PS Fluid in the reservoir while it is pumping it out the return hose into the pan. After you have poured two quarts through, put the hose back in place, fill the reservoir and again have your assistant start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth lock to lock. As the assistant is doing this, keep adding fluid until full.

Good luck,
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Old 03-13-2003, 04:26 PM
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Larry is right-on here. I had a 123 diesel and I put ATF in it and the pump started leaking shortly there after.

Larry- How about also turning the steering wheel back and forth while flushing? Will this spray all over or will this help to further flush the fluid?

Haasman
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  #8  
Old 03-13-2003, 04:28 PM
JetForeman
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Larry,

That's the first I've heard of not using ATF in power steering pumps. I've used Amsoil and Mobil 1 ATF for years now in both of my Benzs with no problems. I don't doubt that ATF is somewhat different than power steering fluid but is it really necessary to use power steering fluid?

Has anyone out there had any problems using ATF rather than power steering fluid, i.e. leaks, premature pump failure, pump noise, etc. etc.?

Not that I doubt your knowledge Larry because you seem to be well versed, but??

Dale
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  #9  
Old 03-13-2003, 04:32 PM
JetForeman
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By the way, nice clean engine Kestas. There's nothing like a nice clean engine under the hood, although you might be the only one to know, it still brings a sense of maybe confidence or probably satisfaction. I know because I keep mine the same way and no one sees them but me.

Dale
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  #10  
Old 03-13-2003, 05:19 PM
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I know I should keep my mouth shut but I can't take credit for the clean engine. The picture was courtesy of eBay from someone who was selling a 93 300E. EBay is a good place to grab pictures for these easy show-and-tells. Figures they would spruce the engine bay for photos. Mine isn't too shabby either, though.
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  #11  
Old 03-13-2003, 07:53 PM
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Regarding the flush proceedure....

With prior non-MB cars, I have flushed the power steering fluid as follows: 1.) Raise front of car to get both wheels off the ground; 2.) Remove, via suction, as much of the old fluid from the reservoir as possible; 3.) Remove fluid return line and direct towards a bucket to catch old fluid; 4.) Fill reservior with fresh fluid; 5.) With ignition on, but motor not running, turn the steering wheel from side to side (full stop to other side full stop); 5.)Keep filling reservoir and keep turning steering wheel until total system capacity has been replaced 1.5x.

The action of turning the steering wheel is what "pumps" or forces the old fluid out.

I have tried engine running method but the pump is so fast that you face the risk of running it dry. Also, it can be very messy with the high velocity fluid flow.

I find my version much more manageable and not nearly as frantic.

Is there someting about the MB design that makes my way not possible?
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  #12  
Old 03-13-2003, 08:01 PM
JetForeman
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I like the sounds of your method gabby, I'll have to try that because with the engine running it is a mess. Thanks for the tip and educating me on this process.
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  #13  
Old 03-13-2003, 09:40 PM
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i concur. i've read from other forums that with the
great possibility of running dry, it will heretofore
ruin your steering pump.

i have always used OEM ps fluid just to be safe.
it sure is not cheap!
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  #14  
Old 03-13-2003, 09:49 PM
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Power Steering Fluid

Last week it was so cold here that the return line off of my power steering pump blew off and I lost all my p.s. fluid. (I guess I did not wait long enough to warm up).
Anyways, when I went to the dealer to get a new hose, I asked the mechanic , who happened to be at the parts counter as well, what I should use on my '88 260E for power steering fluid. His response was that I should use a power steering fluid that contains no minerals since they will ruin the seals. He mentioned that PS fluid for american cars use minerals in them and that I should use whatever VW or any other European car uses.

Zorin
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  #15  
Old 03-14-2003, 05:42 PM
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Question p/s return line?

before I disconnect, is this the return p/s line? I have the plastic resorvoir with no filter. I will be flushing and changing fluid. Thanks for your help!

...where my finger is pointing at, its a plastic elbow with a small clamp holding hose.(upper hose , not lower hose with metal fitting)
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Power Steering Fluid-ps.jpg  

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