CLEAR ATF ?

[vwnate1]

A while back I bought a case of German " Hydrulik Fluid " and only yesterday opened a bottle and it's clear .

I read the label and I don't see " automatik " or whatever anywhere on it .

Is this stuff o.K. to use in my Auto Box and power steering ? .

W123 cars here .

TIA ,

[BWhitmore]

I always thought the Hydrulik fluid was for the SLS system only. It is clear.

[vwnate1]

That's what I am concerned about ~

I was flushing my power steering after replacing the dry rotted original return hose .

So, I'll wait until others check in here .

[sixto]

Power steering systems are tolerant of a range of fluids. Automatic transmissions less so. I wouldn't risk that clear stuff in a 722.1/3/4.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

[vwnate1]

O.K. ;

MORE comments please ~ I know I'm not the only Mechanic who reads here .

I'm wondering why the bottle doesn't mention automatic tranny etc.

[sixto]

Maybe I don't understand the question but why should hydraulic fluid that's not automatic transmission fluid be labeled for use as automatic transmission fluid? Automatic transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid but not all hydraulic fluids are suitable for automatic transmissions. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, SLS fluid are all hydraulic fluids. None should go into your transmission.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

[Diseasel300]

Just because it's German and hydraulic fluid doesn't mean it's for a transmission. If it was, it would have said so and clearly stated what standards it adheres to.

Clear hydraulic oil is typically used in equipment like farm tractors and bottle jacks. Generally if a hydraulic oil is designed for a purpose (say for brakes, power steering, or transmission) it will be clearly marked as such, even if in a foreign language.

[HarvAMG]

There is no reason to be using ATF in your power steering system in 2017.

The ATF sold today isn't the same as when W123s were new. They aren't made for the steering systems of old.

Use this stuff. It's not expensive and can be found at any NAPA.

[Mxfrank]

Hydraulic fluid is used in SLS and power steering systems. It lacks the additive package of an ATF.

[Assault]

Personally I would recommend Pentosin CHF 11S meets MB Spec. 345.0 it is the only hydraulic fluid on the market that MB recommends other than their OEM brand. Can be found at napa/autozone Sources: Pentosin - Hydraulic Fluid MB 345.0 - Hydraulic fluids (Specification 345.0) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids

[97 SL320]

What is the specific brand / part number of the fluid you have?

It is variable as to what a PS system is specified to use and what it will tolerate. The 30,000 GVW Sterling truck at work takes Dexron 3 as does the 08 Toyota Sienna van. I don't see any technical reasons not to use ATF in a PS system.

Something to think about, non USA makers are likely to spec a fluid that is common in their home country possibly leaving ATF out of the picture. Mixing types of fluid _could_ lead to an additive incompatibility but that theoretically can happen with motor oil also.

As for an automatic transmission, I'd stick with something that says for automatic transmissions.

[Dan Stokes]

I buy clear hydraulic fluid by the gallon for my hoist. As MXFrank said it lacks the necessary additives for auto transmissions and I'm not sure I'd trust it for PS, either. It foams a little when I lower the hoist and I bet the PS pump could whip it into a froth. I have no clue on the SLS system.

Dan

[t walgamuth]

It would probably be safe to dump in your diesel tank and burn it.

[vwnate1]

THANX GUYS ! this is what I was thinking, I now have a case of SLS fluid, good thing I have the 300TD, right ? .

The fact that the bottle didn't have any reference to slushboxes had me concerned .

FWIW, I normally use Dexron as Ma 'Benz clearly specifies ATF " ONLY ! " for the power steering .

I also use Dexron in the slush boxes and so far several have gone over 350,000 miles so I don't see how it can be wrong .

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by HarvAMG

There is no reason to be using ATF in your power steering system in 2017.

The ATF sold today isn't the same as when W123s were new. They aren't made for the steering systems of old.

Use this stuff. It's not expensive and can be found at any NAPA.

This is dexron II ATF without a dye (well it has a amber dye), same stuff toyota/nissan/mazda/subaru fill at the factories in their cars (except theirs is made by some japanese blender) - and all recommend ATF dexronII or III in their systems as service fluids, just like mercedes benz and BMW.

cheap too - you guys might also want to look at Mag1 OEM spec PSF, its only sold in gallons but has ATF viscosity, is clear as water and works very good even if your PSF gets very hot or very cold. Dont use the mag1 premium psf, its meant to top up an ounce or so only - its simply iso32 hydro oil.

OTOH at one time I had to fill up a toyota PS system after replacing the pressure line and the only fluid I had was typeF - filled it up and its still perfect (been a couple of years) - I have also filled a W210 with TypeF ATF in the power steering and its still quiet as church mice.