steering service

How do I replace the power steering fluid in my 1979 450SL??? Dennis

Originally Posted by DENNIS

How do I replace the power steering fluid in my 1979 450SL??? Dennis

There maybe a quicker way than I know, but what I have done on three other model MB's, haven't done the 107 yet, is to remove the lower hydraulic hose from the reservoir body (power steering pump) and allow the reservoir to drain, hose too! Then I reinstall the hose, fill the reservoir and run the engine and take the car for a short ride turning the wheel lock to lock, and then drain again, repeating this process one more time, or until the fluid is clear. NOTE there is a filter inside the resevoir held in by the center rod (threaded at top and bottom). Unscrew the center rod and the filter will come out. You can get a new filter at the dealership. I think there is synthetic power steering fluid available now and will be what I replace fluid with in future changes. BB

Hello, thanks for the input,--- i toped off p/s fluid about 6 mo. ago with ATF, i think i started a leak, i looked in my factory repair manual and it read ATF was fine-- but that was in 1979, so i read that it has changed, so i am going to flush the system and put PSF, Thanks Dennis

[Steve Gutman]

The procedure is to take off the return hose on the pump and route it into a container. Start the car and go lock to lock. The system will be empty. Change the filter at the bottom of the reservoir. I bought my filter at NAPA. Fill to the rim and either 1. Have someone start the car and the fluid very quickly to avoid foaming or 2. Crank the motor for a second, shut down, fill, repeat until full. This will keep you from foaming the fluid and getting false readings. If you do, let it settle and check fluid level every day until stable.

Thank you Steve,I will do it that way ,sounds like a good way to service it. Dennis