Went on a hundred some mile trip down to my grandpa's place in the middle of no where. When I get there decided to look at the engine for whatever reason. Find that the power steering is leaking at the pump. Reservoir nearly empty... Closer examination showed that the reservoir was leaking. Only option is to call the one dealership in my state, and have them overnight a new gasket and power steering fluid. A hassle in itself in a remote area...

So, I talk to the parts guy, and he tells me the recommended power steering fluid cost $35 dollars. Really? How about the 7-10 liters of $6 dollar power steering fluid you have been selling me in the past... He tells me that is the wrong fluid, and not recommended for my vehicle. I've been using this lower quality brown PS fluid since replacing the pump with a brand new one purchased at the dealership.

I was wondering what you guys think I should do in this situation? From what I could tell the old gasket was good. I believe it was leaking due to the difference in fluid. Could running the other fluid have potentially damaged my power steering system? I've noticed since replacing the pump there's a slight vibration in the steering wheel while turning the wheel at idle, and also a strange pulsating sound originating from the power steering pump location.

My plan is to talk with the main manager over at my local dealership. I'm going to request that the system at least be flushed and renewed with the correct fluid. I would also like the pump, and rack inspected for damage. Not sure if they're going to work with me as they're a pain in the ***, but this is really unacceptable for them to have sold me the wrong fluid on multiple occasions every time asking what model Mercedes I have...

FYI, the correct fluid is green, and the incorrect fluid which I've been running is brown. Remember hearing the brown is organic, and the green is synthetic?

 

We had a 545i in the shop last year that had the wrong fluid in the power steering system. That car required CHF 11S but the body shop had put regular ATF Dexron III in. The customer drove the car for about a month until the mistake was found. They flushed the system but it still needed a new active swaybar and steering rack. The pump however was OK. Get it flushed ASAP!

 

Mucho trouble with your PS system. I recall when you replaced the pump and line seals at considerable expense.
Sucks you’re still chasing gremlins.

Pentosin CHF11S fluid is OE-specification. It’s synthetic based and, yes, green before being worked.

reference

 

Just got back into town. Going to the dealership tomorrow... They better not give me a hassle on this one, because I'm not going to let it slide.

Pump, cut power steering line by 185MM, line seals, repaired PS line didn't work out, and then new pressure line... UPS got the next day delivery in middle of no where on time, so that worked out. I pressure washed the driver side of engine, replaced seal, and filled with correct fluid. No more leakage, but the old gasket looked 100%, and was just recently replaced with my previous PS/BS fiasco. The system feels a lot better with around half a liter of green stuff in there.