1972 250C - Power Steering fluid?

[thorsen]

Should I use power steering fluid or ATF in my 1972 250C? I went out to the garage this morning to find a puddle underneath the car and the PS reservoir empty.

[thorsen]

Per the FSM, it's ATF.

[Blue 72 250]

Depends, in my 114 the p.o. used power steering fluid. I use the same because I did not want to mix the two. I am not sure if that would cause a problem or not.

[JimFreeh]

If your puddle is red, use Dexron ATF.

If clear, use PS fluid.

Might also clean and inspect to find and fix the leak....

Jim

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Most common PS leak-while-sitting is from the front PS pump seal. Repair kits are availble (VS several hundred $$$ for a new pump!)

Happy Motoring, Mark

[thorsen]

It's the steering box, looks like the output shaft seal. I cleaned the area well and refilled the reservoir; I will see if tht's it. Shouldn't be too hard to replace the seals.

[Mike D]

Do a search on the boards for this procedure. Somebody posted an excellent pictoral and write-up for the steering gearbox rebuild.

I found the article AFTER I rebuilt mine!

This is a good time to "plate" the mounting area since you'll have the gearbox removed.

[300SDog]

Disagree with Dexron ATF..... Ford F-type is ATF of choice for 114/115 - PS pumps, manual & auto transmissions, etc. Question of newer additives eating earlier version seals.

[Blue 72 250]

I suppose that would explain the leak from my tranny.

[300SDog]

Tranny leaked on my 116 too. Lucas trans additive thick like STP worked wonders at slowin down the leak, darn near stopped it altogether. Dunno for sure but could possibly work in steering boxes too.

[thorsen]

No sense on putting on a band-aid. Maybe if it was a car I was going to flip, but after spending all this money restoring it - no band-aids.

[230/8]

Sorry...but you need to check your manual. Dexron III ATF is the proper fluid to use in your 250C. MB Power steering fluid can be used, but the only difference is the color and the price. If you check the top of your fluid reservoir; it may say "nur fur ATF" which means use only ATF. Dexron is the right stuff. Used to be Dexron II back in 1972, but Dexron III is the current non-synthetic formulation. Do not use Ford type F fluid. It does not contain the necessary lubricants for the pump.

Fix your leak and re-fill with the right stuff. A leaking line should be easy and cheap to fix.

230/8