I had the water pump in my '85 300D replaced today...old german Mercedes mechanic told me my brake fluid is "contaminated". He said it is some kind of petroleum-based fluid and will eat away at the seals in the system.

I just got this car 2 weeks ago - don't know anything about this fluid in there...what is petroleum-based fluid? Why would someone use it? And, most importantly, can I just flush it out with lots of regular brake fluid? What kind of fluid do folks use here? I have a mityvac so I can do my own brake bleeding.

Sorry about so many questions, but I want to take care of this sooner than later if my brake system is in danger.

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Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)