Steering Fluid Replacement

[tamrsoft]

Has anyone done a routine fluid renewal on the steering pump/rack system. Are there any special procedures to observe when doing it, is it a special MB fluid or regular MB (or other) ATF and the quantity required ?

 

[jberks]

I've heard of coolant and brake fluid changes on the service schedule, but never power steering. Is it necessary?

 

[tamrsoft]

I have also never heard of it as routine maintenance, but then MB says their trannys are 'Sealed for Life' and we all know that they are not so is the PAS system something we should also ignore. It also takes some heavy punishment in its life and is very expensive to replace so can the fluid deteriorate and is it worth replacing after some interval to maintain trouble free operation of the steering. If the procedure is DIY and not complicated, I am willing to do it.

 

[clive williams]

Has anyone done a routine fluid renewal on the steering pump/rack system. Are there any special procedures to observe when doing it, is it a special MB fluid or regular MB (or other) ATF and the quantity required ?

Tamrsoft,
The only time I have ever heard of the PAS system being drained and refilled was when the fluid was overheated and blackened. This was where a hydraulic winch was fitted using the PAS pump as the motive source and then overloaded. Under normal circumstances the fluid should not need replacement unless something has failed in the system.

PAS systems are very susceptible to dirt and the least opening up of the system the better. If you do have to top up the system then only genuine MB fluid is recognised for use. But if you do have to top up first check why and then proceed with medical (not NHS) cleanliness.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[tamrsoft]

Thanks for all the advice. The fluid does appear spotless at the moment and at the correct level so I guess I will leave well-enough alone.

 

[QUOMAN]

as the saying goes...if it aint broke,don`t fix it (alan, power steering services)




"If you do have to top up the system then only genuine MB fluid is recognised for use." any body explain to me as to why?

 

[Silver Arrow]

While on this topic, What is the difference between different types of ATF, type G or F etc.? Because my Lotus wants a different sort than the Range Rover, others just specify ATF.

 

[clive williams]

While on this topic, What is the difference between different types of ATF, type G or F etc.? Because my Lotus wants a different sort than the Range Rover, others just specify ATF.

This is a case for OILMAN!!!!!!!

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

PS i'd like to know too.

 

[QUOMAN]

to answer the question ,we think there is no difference .....except price
they use the same rubber to form the same seals and all that old tosh about the brakes/susspension is just that....old tosh
if you need to use atf/tqf then use it,but maybe, don`t mix it

 

[Silver Arrow]

Thanks, I appear to have type D for the Lotus and G for the others. I'm not sure of the price difference though.