anything special about mercedes transmission fluid atf trans?

[lazuli]

does anyone know if there is something special about mercedes brand transmission fluid? can i use just any transmission fluid?

if not, is there a good wholesale source?

[Uboater]

Get some Dexron lll / Mercon ATF , its the same spec. Some ATF "brand names " have special additives -better for seals and clutch plates compatibility. I think the Dexron lll is 99% on spec.

[lazuli]

how about synthetic? any benefit?

also, is changing the fluid just a straightforward deal: drop the pan, replace the seal and filter. or, is there something else i need to do? i have been reading the threads in this and other forums and there is some stuff on torque converter.

[Uboater]

Depending on your mileage, synthetic would have little benefit.

The torque converter should be drained, you just need to roll the crankshaft in the running direction with a large socket till you see the drain plug at the bottom slot opening. It sounds harder than it is, its straight forward.

They sell some filters without gaskets, others called kits give you more hardware, but the seal / gasket, can be reused 95% of the time

Get a big plastic sheet and a drain pan / trashcan for filter. Get a small funnel or point snout gear oil bottles to fill the trans.

As always the flatter the ground & car, the less ATF running down -exhaust - frame - drive way

[lazuli]

i have the kit, and the necessary equipment. thanks again for the tips.

always looking for as much info as possible before getting under the car.

[Juni Hendry]

Hi, as far as i know, you have to tight the bolt until a certain point, otherwise its gonna be a leakage come from the overpressed seal

Rgds

[lazuli]

right, that's true with most gaskets.

thanks

[Robschaef]

Yeah, I believe it is 8 or 11 on the torqe wrench. Isn't completely tight but isn't loose either. I made the mistake the first time I changed the fluid/filter and overtightened. Once the tranny got hot, fluid coming out of each side. Nice crack in the pan gasket on each side where the curve is in the sides.

[Juni Hendry]

How did you fix the problem Rob?. Did u change the oil pan or simply repair it?

[lazuli]

oooh sounds bad [xx(] i did that one time as well.

thanks for the torque setttings.