c3002008

Decided to check my power steering fluid today and noticed that the level was low , barely registering at the tip of the dipstick. I looked at the fluid in the reservior and it was brownish in color. What color should it normally be? Should I just add power steering fluid to the correct level or do I need to remove all the old fluid and refill. What is the total capacity for the power steering fluid and would a turkey baster work to remove the old fluid? Would "Prestone European Power Steering Fluid AS268" be fine?

dol4er

Mine was a bit low and the mechanic said it could damage the steering parts over time. I bought OEM Mercedes power steering fluid topped it up.

alecmascot

I would worry about where the fluid went !
There are loads of posts about flushing/replacing the PS fluid.

B737

the power steering fluid did not turn into pixie dust and magically disappear, you have a leak. i would remove bottom covers, find leak, and have it repaired.
also, i believe the car calls for Pentosin.

c3002008

I rechecked the level in good lighting and the level was actually at cold temp minimum so I ended up topping it off to the cold temp Max line. I will recheck the level in a few days to make sure there is no leak. Also what is the manufacturer recommended change interval for power steering fluid ?

Colin G

Check level once the fluid has heated up. I topped up at low/cold level before, not thinking about heat expansion. I ended up taking some fluid back out. once I drove around.

gamma300C

Pretty sure they recommend PS change out every 20,000 miles/ 2 years........

B737

ummm thats the brake fluid ^ . PS fluid is prob "lifetime".... so 10 years or 100k.

gamma300C

sorry, right you are...."drain bramage" !!

ItalianJoe1

The power steering fluid on that is a light brown color like oil, not green like pentosin, so probably normal. It's unusual to see a 271 with a P/S leak, but on the V6 they leak from the pump/reservoir seal. If it was only at the low mark, I highly doubt you have a leak. Just top it off a little and don't worry about it.

gamma300C

From another Forum post.......................was a response from MB when others stated Pentosin CHF 11S was not to be used in the PS. Other than MB brand and Pentosin, the other PS listed choices are pretty impossible to find in the US.

c3002008

thx for the replies. I ended up topping it off with "Prestone full synthetic european power steering fluid" . Here is the product description:

• Engineered for ALL European vehicles.
• This full-synthetic fluid provides longer lasting fluid life and is fortified with a premium, advanced additive package that helps prevent corrosion.
• This premium formula reduces component wear that can affect power steering system life, is designed for extreme temperatures, and provides excellent low temperature operation.
• This product is suitable for use where Pentosin CHF 7.1, CHF 202, or CHF 11S fluids are recommended.

Colin G

I bought the OEM fluid from the dealer and topped mine up with that. Same colour as what I have in there.

I would not mix different brands of fluid together. C3002008, did you drain your old fluid before replacing with the Prestone stuff?

c3002008

I just topped it off .. when I take it in to the dealer for next service I will ask them to check the PS fluid and flush/change if needed.