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  #1  
Old 09-19-2020, 03:52 PM
E300d 1995
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Near Lake Texoma
Posts: 480
1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change

I've neglected my power steering system for too long based on watching videos and reading articles about the damage that can result.

In the past week I've changed the fluid three times. First time because it was old. Second time was to flush out the fluid chosen on the first change ( I changed my mind about the type after reading more ). Third time I used Mercedes power steering fluid for the change. This was chosen in the hopes it would provide better long term lubrication than transmission fluid. Bergsma said in one of his videos that the gear box was failing prematurely when transmission fluid is used. I used the Mercedes fluid in the hopes it has excellent lubrication. I plan to change the power steering fluid each time I change the transmission fluid in the future ( about 35 to 40,000 miles ).

From my reading and watching videos I decided to use a few ideas from others plus using a belt, pulley, and power drill to turn the power steering pump. I got this power drill idea from Clemson88 from a recent post. I bought a belt to fit the pulley. I couldn't use the center bolt nut since my 95 has three small bolts not one in the center '.

Another idea was from reading that torque had to be applied to the steering mechanism to allow the new fluid to replace the old fluid in the steering gear assembly. I never started my engine or engaged the starter.

The pumping out action was provided either by my power drill and belt or by forcefully turning the wheel several times ' lock to lock ' without the pump turning at all. I left the drivers side wheel on the ground so torque would be applied to the gear box. A few ounces of fluid would come out the return hose for each ' lock to lock ' turning of the steering wheel. Using a power drill virtually eliminates the chance of getting air into the system.

The clear hose is 7/16's inside diameter.

First picture of catch bottle is after turning the steering wheel lock to lock three times. Next bottle picture is after the clear hose changed to the Mercedes fluid color.

Last comment, the second time I changed the fluid it continued to flow, by gravity, into the catch bottle. I wasn't turning the pump or the steering wheel. I was able to keep topping it up until the clear hose showed the new fluid was going into the catch bottle. I couldn't reproduce the gravity flow the 3rd time even though the hose clamps were tight.

Attached Thumbnails
1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change-1995-e300d-power-steering-fluid-tools.jpg   1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change-1995-e300d-power-steering-pulley.jpg   1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change-1995-e300d-mercedes-power-steering-fluid.jpg   1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change-1995-e300d-power-steering-fluid-catch-bottle-1.jpg   1995 E300D comments on my power steering fluid change-1995-e300d-power-steering-catch-bottle-2.jpg  

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  #2  
Old 09-19-2020, 10:47 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TX
Posts: 3,978
The transmission fluid point is somewhat plausible as in a full hydraulic system, atf is considered contaminant

If you look at some land cruiser forums, the 80 series etc with the 1fz and 1hd use a power steering pump that is geared to the crank and has a similar steering box like old mercedes

Members there are using mobil dte light, some use mil 5606h, some use genuine GM power steering fluid (which is great IMO and cheap too)

Genuine ac delco fluid is a hydraulic oil that has atf cold flow properties.
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  #3  
Old 09-20-2020, 12:46 PM
E300d 1995
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Near Lake Texoma
Posts: 480
Another surprising find was the many different variations of electric power steering that has replaced the hydraulic type. There are even kits available to add electric power steering to old systems.

Electric power steering supposedly saves about $500 dollars of fuel over the life of the auto. It is readily controlled by computers to provide auto parking and 'self driving' modes.

This is one version that Lexus uses:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsP_qDCmxQ8

Too me it's just another level of complexity that will reduce the economy of owning a modern auto.

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