Power steering pump oil

[See elle Kay]

Hi all,

Has anyone every used hydraulic oil or even autobox oil to top up the steering pump?

I’m wondering as I have both. If either could work!

M

 

[Gazwould]

Best use the correct stuff .

 

[Blobcat]

Don’t mix… use whatever is recommended in the manual

 

[EmilysDad]

it's not uncommon for cars in general to use ATF in the power steering but as above, not a good idea to mix

 

[mioba]

Dont mix.
As mentioned some brands use ATF in the PS not sure at all about mercs tbf.

Flushing is relatively straight forward as is syphoning (refilling) a few times. The capacities are not huge.

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Power sreering fluid oil only read manual .Dont use ATF fluid

 

[Mr Greedy]

If in doubt, but from Merc. You might pay £15 a litre vs whatever for aftermarket.

Even if the aftermarket fluid was free, is it worth the risk for £15-30?

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Check out Benz of Newcastle they have an Ebay shop message the seller pay by - pay pal . delivery to your door ==the right PAS fluid from MB

 

[harrye500]

MB Grangemouth are good. Good prices and delivery, mention the forum and often they will discount. Agree with everyone above, don't mix fluids, keep yours for the right application and get some fresh to top up.

 

[Botus]

the law changed in 2000 and I think we got wide acceptance by 2005 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/elv/index.htm it meant the manufacturer was responsible for the oil waste at end of life

so the accountants got involved halved the reservoir size and threw away the PAS cooler (on many cars) so now the Red fluid overheats and destroys things - thus in came Straw coloured hydraulic fluid for Merc (whilst everyone one else used Green hydraulic fluid). It copes with heavier abuse for longer.

Some like Ford built lots of cars with the wrong fluid and to this day most Ford techs put the wrong stuff in the car and claim the handbook is wrong. Other factories did it right and depending where it was made some have Green, the others have burnt Black (having gone through a Grey iron filing stage) with a worn pump and damaged rack.

Alfa realised they got it wrong and at first service swapped out the Red for Green but some owners claim it caused leaks. I don't see this, as my focus had been through all colours of the rainbow - and the rack is the only survivor at 155k miles

Its a shame no one thought to tell any garage this info, as most only found out after doing it wrong for 10 years