I think the stuff I'm using is Valvoline. It has stuff in it to stop leaks, and the stuff really works. I heard if you get the stuff that simply puffs the seals up, that's really bad because it's a temporary fix, and one day, it fails and leaves you in a bad situation.

The stuff I have sort of rejuvenates the rubber, as opposed to just puffing it up.

I have used any old ATF I had laying around since about 1990. At the end of the day it's all hydraulic fluid..

Some will disagree.

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

That is a good way to make the seals leak.

P/S fluid of any type (non-synthetic tends to work better to prevent leaking) is what should be used.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Does ATF cause transmission seals to leak?

My power steering system has been using ATF for 27 years. Works fine.

There are two mineral-based fluids that are extremely flexible and can't hurt the PS system, because they often replace Dexron III when not available:

LHM is one, found usually only in Europe or Canada.

Kendall Hyken Glacial Blue is the other, it's a superviscous, highly flame resistant hd used in aircraft valve bodies and landing gear. It's used because it's viscous up to 300 degrees and down to -80 F.

Because it is so much in demand, it's pretty cheap: 5.00 a gallon. I buy it in eight-gallon tubs because it's compatible with all mineral-fluid based Euro systems, especially Rolls, Bentley Audi and Citroen. I have to assume it would work in all older models of MB because it is a listed substitute for Dexron III.

All my hydropneumatic suspension cars use that and/or LHM.

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Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

You're pretty much saying the same thing two ways Jeff.

The "rejuvenating" is essentially solvents/aromatics softening the seals, too much I guess would be considered "puffing it up".

Most all oils & hydraulic fluids are engineered to have specific seal-swell properties, those that are listed as "seal reconditioning" or stop-leak usually just have more swell effect from the additive package.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff