Thread: dexron III tranny oil FOR power steering

Forgot one other thing, I believe MB steering fluid comes in two flavors, synthetic and non synthetic. I believe the non synthetic is the correct one for older MB's (like yours) J. M. van Swaay

thanks everyone. I will use MB power steering fluid. andrew

Quote: Originally Posted by Elk of the Month Just did two power steering flushes last Tuesday after seeing LarryBible's (thanks!) process advice on another forum. Thank you! I just have a couple questions if you don't mind; The return hose is located where? And what's turning it from lock to lock to bleed the system of air? Opening and closing the doors or just turning the key in different positions?

Quote: Originally Posted by Funky Mad Thank you! I just have a couple questions if you don't mind; The return hose is located where? And what's turning it from lock to lock to bleed the system of air? Opening and closing the doors or just turning the key in different positions? The return hose returns the fluid to the reservoir and leads into it. Once you empty the reservoir, it will be clear which hose is the return line. Simply...

yes you can, but MB fluid is prefered.

From what I have read/done/learned about light oils like these, for power steering units, transmission fluid is interchangeable.

For something that is seldom changed, why risk it?

You don't need to use MB brand P/S fluid, but DO NOT use ATF fluid. Since the time that the 124 cars were designed and the owners manuals were printed, ATF has gone through significant changes and will cause damage to the seals and other rubber parts in your P/S system. Generic P/S fluid from the auto parts store will work fine. If you are not sure what fluid is currently in the system it would be thirty minutes and five quarts of P/S...

In addition to the other reasons listed, power steering fluid contains friction enhancers that, over time, may cause premature steering box wear. Mercedes called for ATF in the W123s but changed to Power Steering fluid in the W124s. The company, Mercedes Steering, sells tons of rebuilt steering boxes for 123s but hardly any for the 124 series. In the late 70s or early 80s (I forget just when), GM recommended that all of their vehicles change...