I opened my power steering reservoir and the fluid looks 25 years old! Who knows if it was ever changed. I saw on Diesel Giant that it takes Dextron ATF or Mercedes Power steering fluid. I happen to have a few quarts of Redline synthetic ATF. The label says it's good for power steering units that take Dexron II or Mercon, but Dextron and Dexron II are not the same. I thought Dextron was phased out. So can I use this synthetic ATF without a problem?
Correct! ATF is no longer recommended for power steering. It was once, by many manufacturers, until a better fluid was widely available. Auto manufacturers also found that the friction enhancers in ATF caused premature wear to internal power steering components.
I think that ATF may not be recommended by some individuals, but Mercedes still lists it as an approved power steering fluid for certain applications. I'm not sure whether there is anything other than empirical evidence that ATF is bad for power steering boxes. Did the steering boxes go bad and leak because of using ATF or did they go bad and leak because they are 30 some years old and just worn out? Been using ATF in my 240D since new with no leaks and no problems. That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with switching to or using power steering fluid.
Leaks are not the problem, wear on internal moving parts is. GM and others put out tech service bulletins in the late '70s indicating the reason for their change. Many still use ATF as it was originally recommended. To each his own, I won't take the chance when there is now the proper formulation available.
I have an absolutely pristine '77 W123 230 gas sedan with 154K miles that I bought last January from my good friend (original owner) of 45 years. It has always been driven gently and maintained by the book. Never a daily driver, only a trip car and never out in the Winter. It is on it's second steering box and that shows signs of excess wear. The first was replaced at 70+K miles with same problem. No other steering components have wear on them or have been replaced. I will send the original box to "Mercedes Steering" to have it rebuilt and re-install it on the car. No ATF will go in that box!
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