Hi! What is the correct way to drain and replace the brake fluid? and the coolant? for a 1993 300E. Also where is the power steering reservoir? How do you change this fluid? And any ideas on how to change and replace the Rear axle gear oil?
Thanks in advance!
What brand of antifreeze/brake fluid/power steering fluid/gear oil do you recommend? I was thinking of using Valvoline Max Life coolant and Valvoline SynPower Dot4 Brake Fluid since I already use Valvoline Max Like ATF Fluid for the transmission and Max Life 20W 50 motor oil. Any recommendations for the others?
Andrew.

That's a lot of questions, a lot of which has been covered if you search the archives. Use keywords like "Zerex G-05" , "brake fluid flush", "DOT 4", "rear axle drain plug".


Power Steering Fluid Flush

The ps fluid reservoir is a metal cylinder at the fron of the engine with a metal lid and black thumbscrew on top. I recommend using any quality power steering fluid (not ATF).

Here's the procedure I recommend. You'll need a helper. The steps should be simple.

1. Lift front tires off the ground.
2. Disconnect the ps return line, drain ps reservoir.
3. Plug open connection at the reservoir.
4. Secure the return line to a generously-sized container (at least one gallon). If needed, add a length of hose.
5. Fill reservoir.
6. Line up your bottles of new fluid for quick pouring.
Here comes the fun part...
7. Have helper turn car on, and immediately have him go through full range of steering motion (left and right) and shut off car, all the while you are trying to keep the reservoir filled.
8. Button everything back up.
9. Clean up mess.
10. Top off fluid.

The front tires must be off the ground so the system is unloaded, otherwise a lot of fluid is pumped out with a lot of force. The return line must be secured to prevent a big mess. Keep at least a gallon of ps fluid on hand. The helper must know what they are doing.


Antifreeze

I recommend either MB antifreeze or Zerex G-05, which is virtually the same thing as MB antifreeze, but cheaper. Don't use the green stuff.


Rear Axle

I recommend using a synthetic for fuel economy. One important tip is to make sure you remove the fill plug first!... not the drain plug. It's harder to remove the fill plug, and you don't want to be in a situation where you've dumped the fluid, and now can't put any fluid back in.

Brake Fluid

DOT 4, just as you planned.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K