superangrypenguin

I understand the W204 has a coolant life of 15 years, and that there's a metal plate or something in there that adds additives.

However, I see nothing about draining and filling the the power steering fluid. Is that really for life? If not, how often should I be draining and filling it?

Thank you

Carsy

My service book states that coolant life is 15 years. I am told that we should check it for clearness ie no pollutants ie oils, combustion gasses.There is a chemical test that can also be done. After almost 10 years mine is crystal clear. Be sure to top up with 50:50 MB coolant & distilled/demineralised water.

I see nothing in the service book about draining power steering fluid. Mine after about 7 years & 80,000km was showing signs of contamination ie darker. I could not find any easy way of draining except by removing hoses so I siphoned out about 200 to 250ml at a time running the car in between . It cleared up after about 4 changes ie 1 bottle of MB fluid.. I now change it regularly on a 12 month basis to keep it clear.
I understand some models do not have a reservoir the same as mine which makes siphoning the same amount more difficult.

I am disappointed with MB not including a magnet on the level stick. I have drilled a small hole in the stick & wired a high strength magnet (with a hole).It is surprising the amount of black ferrous material that I can wipe off on a white cloth after 12 months. My previous European car had magnets on the steering, diff & gearbox .

Good luck.

JC

superangrypenguin

Which year is your W204? Your profile says 2007? (sorry I don't think 2007 was a W204 where I live). Does anyone know of a better way to change out the power steering fluid?

Any design changes between your 2007 W204 and the post facelift one? (2012 for me). Maybe I won't go to a dealer for this one!

Carsy

My W204 was built in Sindelfingen Oct 2007.

I have not studied the changes between facelifts. I am satisfied with what I have

superangrypenguin

Thanks sir. That make sense to me (wrt build time).

Ok, well, good to know. I'll try and follow your advice to get that drained/filled slowly. Happy Easter!

IGB

This is what is in the Workshop manual regarding the Power Steering Fluid for a 2012 W204:




Note that it says "in the event of hydraulic steering system repairs" but makes no mention of a particular drain and refill interval. I have had to top off mine on my 2008 a couple of years back, but see no need to replace it.

superangrypenguin

Thanks! However surely fluids can't last forever?

I wonder if doing a UOA type of test would be helpful for members to see if this is something that's truly necessary.