C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Power steering fluid help needed

Old Aug 27, 2009 | 10:29 PM
  #1  
ssk1208's Avatar
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Power steering fluid help needed

Hi all,

I have a 2001 C320. I just bought a bottle of 1 liter Mercedes-Benz multi-grade oil at the Mercedes service centre. The part number is A 001 989 24 03 10. The representative at the counter told me that this is the correct type of oil for my C-Class and the colour for the fluid is green.

However, he also told me that the power steering oil (500ml which is a smaller bottle) I bought last time was for the M-Class, and it was not intended to be used in my C-Class. The part number for that smaller bottle is A 000 989 88 03 and the colour for this bottle is brownish.

So I was informed that I have used the wrong type of power steering fluid (A 000 989 88 03), and the one I should have used is the A 001 989 03 10. I am very concerned as I have filled in the wrong PS fluid and do you think there are any negative consequences? My power steering rack will need to be replace, and my local garage is finding us a good quality used part. And PS fluid is now leaking out from the underside of our car.

Any helps are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 11:04 PM
  #2  
wvadam's Avatar
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From: ontario, Canada
C230 COUPE 2003 M271
Originally Posted by ssk1208
Hi all,

I have a 2001 C320. I just bought a bottle of 1 liter Mercedes-Benz multi-grade oil at the Mercedes service centre. The part number is A 001 989 24 03 10. The representative at the counter told me that this is the correct type of oil for my C-Class and the colour for the fluid is green.

However, he also told me that the power steering oil (500ml which is a smaller bottle) I bought last time was for the M-Class, and it was not intended to be used in my C-Class. The part number for that smaller bottle is A 000 989 88 03 and the colour for this bottle is brownish.

So I was informed that I have used the wrong type of power steering fluid (A 000 989 88 03), and the one I should have used is the A 001 989 03 10. I am very concerned as I have filled in the wrong PS fluid and do you think there are any negative consequences? My power steering rack will need to be replace, and my local garage is finding us a good quality used part. And PS fluid is now leaking out from the underside of our car.

Any helps are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

ok the leaking has me concerned obviously you need a new steering rack, but I also went to the dealer and got that green fluid for 40$ a liter which is a total rip off and my car had that brown fluid in it for years before I bought my car so I know you can use the brown normal fluid and it doesnt cause damage. the only difference is that it is synthetic like the motor oil and it will last a lot longer and the brown stuff needs to get changed often. I even asked the dealer if i could use the regular fluid and they wouldnt give me a straight answer so i gave in and purchased the green.

thats just my experience. good luck.

Edit: also , probably if you bought the steering fluid it was because yours was low and hence was leaking before you added the other fluid right. consider that.
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 07:55 AM
  #3  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Regarding your leak. The pipe that fits into the back of the rack is the cause of 99% of leaks. How do you know you need a new rack? are the tie rod ends boots full of fluid? Remember what we told you before.

See this
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...k-leaking.html

BTW - the correct fluid for the W203 is A000 989 88 03

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 28, 2009 at 08:04 AM.
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 12:00 PM
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ssk1208's Avatar
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[QUOTE=Glyn M Ruck;3689077]Regarding your leak. The pipe that fits into the back of the rack is the cause of 99% of leaks. How do you know you need a new rack? are the tie rod ends boots full of fluid? Remember what we told you before.

See this
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...k-leaking.html

BTW - the correct fluid for the W203 is A000 989 88 03[/QUOT

Yes, I remember everything you told me. But my local garage (not the dealer) told me that there is no separate part for sale even if I ask him to take a look at the rack, so the only choice for me is to replace the entire rack. They are trying to find me a good quality but used rack and they are stilling looking. They are selling a refurbished one which is ordered straight from the Mercedes dealership which costs about $3200 CAD.

The strange thing is my Mercedes-Benz service centre told me that the A000 989 88 03 (the brown fluid) is used in the M-Class and older C-Class, and not intended to be used in my car. Does it mean the service people give me the wrong information?

Thanks again.

Last edited by ssk1208; Aug 28, 2009 at 12:03 PM.
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 02:14 AM
  #5  
samaritrey's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
i see that you must be in Canada but napa here in the usa has the complete rack for under 500 USD.
Item#: NRP264005
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...inion+Complete
hope this helps
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