After reading posts for an hour I think I'm more confused now than usual.I want to change the filter in my PS pump and flush the fluid, MB dealer wants $15 Cdn for 1/2 a liter of MB PS fluid. I know not to use ATF fluid (thanks Larry , MB DOC , etc.)but there seems to be a difference of opinions on PS fluid (non MB)or Hydraulic fluid . My 123 has 400,000 km and doesn't leak PS fluid now , nor do I want it to any time soon , so.......if MB PS fluid isn't an option.....which should I use?

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Democracy dies in darkness, you have to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight

Hi Kyle:

Just go buy 2 quarts of Valvoline SynPower PS fluid ($3.5 per quart) or Pyroil or Gunk PS fluid ($2 per quart). They are good
for your W123.

Eric

I'm sure the synfluid or whatever is good, but any ps fluid from the auto supply will serve you well. I've run plain ol' stuff from the auto supply for hundreds of thousands of miles with great success.

I would suggest that you pick up two extra quarts while there. Replace the filter, then disconnect the return line and put it in a drain pan. Then have someone start the engine and turn the wheel lock to lock while pouring in two quarts of fluid. After that fluid is gone and in the drain pan, turn off the engine. Reconnect the return line and fill the reservoir. Have your assistant turn the wheel lock to lock while pouring in fluid until full.

Good luck,

Thanks guys, I think I'll take the cheap route and use plain old PS fluid.I read on another thread that the NA PS fluid wasn't compatable with the euro cars , I'll test that theory .

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Democracy dies in darkness, you have to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight

and most important in certain models of Audi, VW, and BMW which require some very special fluids which cost about $27. per litre at our local Audi dealer. Worst of all, the Audi stuff is not compatible with the BMW stuff, and vice versa, and I have kids with both who expect daddy to always be ready to service their high mileage treasures.

Apparently this all began in the 80s, when someone at ZF decided that it was necessary to totally eliminate any change in steering feel in extreme Scandinavian climates.