My owner's manual says to use ATF to top off the power steering fluid (1980 240D). Any recommendations of type/brand? Can I use fluid designed for power steering instead? Should I drain the rest of the old fluid first?

Thanks for your help.

Ken Mitchell
Hammond, Louisiana

[This message has been edited by Ken (edited 04-24-2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ken:
My owner's manual says to use ATF to top off the power steering fluid (1980 240D). Any recommendations of type/brand? Can I use fluid designed for power steering instead? Should I drain the rest of the old fluid first?

Thanks for your help.

Ken Mitchell
Hanmmond, Louisiana<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Ken,

I have always used Quaker State ATF in my '79 240D with satisfactory results. I always remove as much of the old fluid from the pump reservoir as I can before refilling. Don't overlook the necessity of replacing the filter.

As to using "Power Steering Fluid", if MB says use ATF, I would use ATF.

Hope this is helpful.

.



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Ted
1979 240D

Yeah, regular ATF is fine. On the newer models, you must use MB power steering fluid, but Dexron III/Mercon is fine for your model.

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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'85 BMW 745i Turbo

I read not too long ago that modern ATF's are not good for the seals in you power steering pump.

I believe this because the seal went out in my pump after changing the original fluid and using ATF. I would reccomend using power steering fluid from the auto parts store. It's worked good for me with my new pump.

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles