I think under normal circumstances it will bleed itself naturally but I'm not sure. I use generic parts store "power steering fluid" labeled as such, not atf. There's an ongoing debate around here as to whether the standard dexron/mercon III atf disintegrates seals in the system or not. The "general" conclusion is "yes it does", or "I'm not saying I don't believe you but I've used it for 50,000 miles without any trouble" followed by "mine sprung a leak the week after I put it in." I avoided it all by just using labeled PSF. Mine had ATF in it prior to my changing it (years ago) and ever since then, it seems to keep turning back to the ATF color in spite of my always replenishing with clear-ish fluid. I'm surprised it has that much left over but I guess anything's possible. If it's actually the pump disintegrating or something I'll just wait for it to fail. I've got a leak in a hose somewhere; the level will stay filled properly for literally weeks and then one day I'll start the car the day after it was fine and the thing will make groaning noises every time I turn the wheel, and when I start filling from the quart I always carry in the trunk, I find it just about down to the filter. Refill, and it's good for another random period of time.

I've never found min-max marks. I just fill to within an inch or so of the top and figure it's going to leak out anyway. I don't think it makes much difference. As long as 1) the fluid covers the inlet at all times, and 2) it's not so full that it can't ever return fluid to the reservoir -- I think it's irrelevant exactly how much is in there.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL