what is hydraulic zhm fluid ?

[sebastianforbes]

hi there

as i look in my bonnet, on the front right hand side there is a container labelled hydraulic zhm. i think it is for the rear suspension. it appears to be completely empty. can i just fill it up with whatever or does it need to be bled ?

cheers

sebastian.

 

[teky]

Hydraulic fluid based on mineral oil with high viscosity index and excellent temperature behavior. Employment as steering gear oil, to the level control and brake assistance.

 

[sebastianforbes]

hi there

can someone give me the idiots guide to what

1) brand
2) viscosity
3) quantity

cheers

sebastian.

 

[teky]

1/ Startol
2/ MT 236.3
3/ 1 LTR for top ups, probably cheaper by the 5 ltr/gallon tub

you could look for substitutes there are many :idea:

 

[andy_k]

if it's empty there must be a reason, you wioll need to check the system for leaks.

ZHM fluid is available from the dealers - sold as MB Hydraulic Fluid - £8.50 (or thereabouts) per litre.

You don't need to bleed the system but there is a "proper" way to do it

1, load the boot/rear compartment with at least 120kg (this will force the self levelling valve to open then pour in enough to fill the reservoir - don't remove the top of the reservoir completely just the cap as the return feed is incorporated into the screw top lid

2, start the car and run it at 2000 or so RPM

3, keep topping up the fluid until you reach the max level indicated on the side

4, switch off and unload the car - job finished

HTH

Andy K

 

[sebastianforbes]

hi there

thanks for the replies.

as it turns out;

1) there was 1inch of fluid in the bottom of the tank
2) i have never put more than 30kg in the boot.

halfords were very vague so i bought a haynes manual - but that only gives you the merc. part no. so i went to merc stealership and bought 2 litres. quite reasonably priced if you ask me at £8.25 per litre.

i'll post the differences that i notice

cheers

sebastian

p.s. teky, where do you get the startol from ?