What kind of P/S fluid do you use in your 123? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

AMH · #1 07-02-2009, 09:59 AM

Ok, this is a poll, not another oil thread, . What kind of power steering fluid do you use in your 123 car? MB, Pentosin 7.1, Pentosin 11S, Pentosin 202, Valvoline etc etc.

NH82W123 · #2 07-02-2009, 10:18 AM

I'm planning to replace my P/S fluid soon, and will use cheap stuff from Wal-Mart for the flush and then fill with Valvoline. Unless I am informed of a better approach through this thread...

Caesium · #3 07-02-2009, 10:50 AM

I use NAPA power steering fluid. Don't let the big jug fall over in your trunk after you open it...

tbomachines · #4 07-02-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH82W123

I'm planning to replace my P/S fluid soon, and will use cheap stuff from Wal-Mart for the flush and then fill with Valvoline. Unless I am informed of a better approach through this thread...

Valvoline oils = Napa oils. Save a few bucks, its the exact same stuff just different branding.

::matthew · #5 07-02-2009, 11:32 AM

Febi or MB...not sure which

but I think most any are fine

warmblood58 · #6 07-02-2009, 12:25 PM

I have been using Valvoline dextron as my understanding is that ATF is acceptable as power steering fluid

#7 07-02-2009, 06:13 PM

Todays ATF is most definitely NOT acceptable as power steering fluid in these early cars. The owners manual specifies it, but they had no crystal ball on hand when they wrote that manual well over 20 years ago. ATF has gone through DRASTIC changes since the time these cars were built and will attack the seals in those P/S systems.

Just go buy plain old power steering fluid at Wal Mart, Auto Zone, Joe's Auto Parts or wherever. Make sure the system is properly flushed using ONLY power steering fluid to flush it, replace the filter, fill and enjoy the car.

warmblood58 · #8 07-02-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

Todays ATF is most definitely NOT acceptable as power steering fluid in these early cars. The owners manual specifies it, but they had no crystal ball on hand when they wrote that manual well over 20 years ago. ATF has gone through DRASTIC changes since the time these cars were built and will attack the seals in those P/S systems.

Just go buy plain old power steering fluid at Wal Mart, Auto Zone, Joe's Auto Parts or wherever. Make sure the system is properly flushed using ONLY power steering fluid to flush it, replace the filter, fill and enjoy the car.

What do you base your opinion on Larry regarding modern ATF, thanks

#9 07-02-2009, 08:14 PM

No opinion involved. The later Dexron/Mercon is not compatible with the seals in the early p/s systems. If you don't believe me, load up your p/s system with the stuff and drive it about 50,000 miles and get ready to change, at the very least, the pump shaft seal.

You might want to go back and read what I wrote. Depending on your year model, your understanding is wrong. Your understanding is probably information obtained from a manual that was written BEFORE ATF went through some changes. They had no way of knowing that it would change.

This is not limited to MB automobiles. The vast majority of power steering systems before the mid eighties or so, have rubber components that will be attacked by Dexron/Mercon. This was pretty widely talked about in various automotive publications of the early and mid nineties.

This is why Power Steering Fluid is so commonly available in department stores and auto supplies. Before that time I don't ever remember seeing such a product. You can always seek out old fashioned Type A ATF, but why bother. The P/S fluid is the ideal fluid.

Once into the mid nineties, the seals in p/s systems were changed to materials that were indeed compatible with later ATF.

It's your car and you can use whatever fluids you like. I'm only trying to help.