LordPhoenix

Hey Guys.

Im really confused.

I bought PS Fluid from Mercedes dealership about a month ago. They gave me a bottle with the following part number. A000989880310 it's says approval 236.3

Used that bottle to top up. But now I want to flush the power steering. Went to Merc yesterday bought another bottle but this time they gave me A001989240310 approval 345

So now I'm stressed out. Which Fluid is actually supposed to be in the car. So I can prioritize getting it flushed. ASAP.

Please help. Maybe the Fluid master. Mr Glynn can help.

Rudeney

Here's a site with all the approved fluids and specs:

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/index.php?language_id=1

As you can see, PS fluid is spec 236.3, and when you click on that, the part number is the A 000 989 88 03 that they sold you the first time.

If you check the 345.0 spec, you will find that fluid is also acceptable for the PS system on the W209, but note that it lists it for "-25C". Also listed there is the Pentosin CHF 11 s, which is what I've always used.

So, the answer is both are correct, but as long as you aren't in extremely cold climates, the former is fine, or, just go with the least cost option.

LordPhoenix

you are the man!

Can they be mixed though?

Rudeney

I don't see why not. This is just hydraulic fluid - it's not like antifreeze that can have incompatible rust inhibitors and such. If you are concerned, use a suction device to remove as much fluid as possible, then refill with the CHF 11s. Make sure you bleed the system before starting the engine: lift both front wheel off the ground, and turn the steering wheel fully lock to lock about 20 times or until all bubbles are gone.

LordPhoenix

I'll maybe do that on my next service, since the PS pump doesn't make any funny noises right now,

Thanks a stack!

mis3

Talking about PS fluid, I don't recall changing it at all. I have owned this w209 for 12-13 years now.

What is the maintenance schedule for PS fluid? Are there any noticeable symptoms for bad PS fluid?

Rudeney

There is no scheduled service for PS fluid changes, but fresh fluid never hurts. I suppose if you wanted to get as much of the old stuff out as possible, you not only drain the reservoir ad refill, but also drain from the steering gear. Lift the front end and crack open the hose connections on the rack while a helper turned the steering wheel. Drain until you get fresh fluid. Basically, like changing brake fluid.

mis3

I read that like brake fluid, PS fluid is never changed unless a hose fails or the steering gear has to be replaced.

Due to the age of my car, it certainly does not hurt to get in new fluid. I will talk to my indie about thos at the next oil change.

I always buy my own parts from my local MB dealership. How many litres should I buy? Hope the labour cost is reasonable.

sailorben

I bought a bottle of cheap CHF11s to flush the old out, then bought a bottle of Mercedes fluid to flush the cheap stuff out to make sure it was all nice and fresh.

I flushed because the fluid in the system was different in colour to what should have been in there. I did a write up on how I did it, somewhere on here. I definitely takes a while, particularly to bleed the system, and you will need two people for this.

insame1

I am pretty sure that CHF11s is what MB uses and re-brands.

LordPhoenix

The CHF11 stuff is green is it not, and the MB stuff is yellowish.

Don't think its the same

Rudeney

CHF 11s is actually a better grade than the genuine MBZ fluid - it's rated for lower temps. See my post #2 in this thread with the fluid specs.

DanielFD

guys dont ever mix CHF 11S fluid. Its what BMW uses in its cars like mine that have ARS (dynamic drive), its a great oil but it will gunk up when mixed with other types of power steering oil. This is a known issue with BMWs that come with CHF11S from the factory when owners use the wrong oil. Some people have mixed up their oil and not had an issue but some people did have an issue (probably dependent on what oil was put in). This info is from the BMW forums.

DanielFD

Oh and mis3. brake fluid should be changed once every 2 years. moisture is what ruins brake fluid. Power steering fluid is a bit different. It will never be in a car long enough to loose its additives to a point where that should worry you, but the issue is metal contamination. I'd change it every 3 years with the power steering reservoir (integrated filter).

eteller

The way I'm reading the attached CHF 11S is ok, correct me if I'm wrong. According to Pentosin it meets 001 989 24 03 10.

eteller

I also found this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...fluid-use.html

Not trying to pick a fight with Daniel because if I'm wrong I'm gonna be changing out my fluid again real soon. BTW I use a turkey baster, suck out the resevoir, refill, repeat over the course of a week till my liter of new fluid is empty.

insame1

I think those picture of the MB can with CHF11s listed on them say allot.

DanielFD

No fight eteller. Its the exact opposite. Its good to have a debate on a subject like this. Its what the forum is for

There is no problem putting CHF11S oil in the merc. Its mixing that isnt good. If you find a CHF11S bottle read the side and it says "do not mix with any other oil"

I think flushing with it wont be an issue and vise versa. I dought small amount will make a differense. I just posted to let other people know it shouldnt be mixed

sailorben

Pentosin may be a better fluid, but my point was, I bought some non-pentosin oil graded chf11s, that was very cheap. I couldn't get pentosin fluid here. Hence I flushed with non-approved cheap oil with chf11s on the label, to get the old stuff out, then flushed through with genuine fluid.
Had I been able to get a hold of pentosin I'd have just used two bottles of that stuff.

DanielFD

Then your good to go. I dont see an issue with having small traces of CHF11S in your oil.

sailorben

Exactly... They were the same colour anyway hahahah

Glyn M Ruck

Re your PM ~ Sorry been travelling. These are the only approved PS Fluids

LordPhoenix

Hi Glyn

Thanks for your response man,

Then what is this other liquid the dealer sold me part Number A000989880310 it's says approval 236.3

Steven k

Brake fluid has about a 2-year life. If the reservoir is black bleed the whole system. Brake fluid prevents rust by holding the water from condensation in the system. The fluid absorbs water and gets brake dust and road grime in it. A brake shop does not change fluid often, they like to sell more expensive components. I found a caliper piston jammed into the rotor. The dirt that stuck the piston either came from the fluid or the grime of the road? I put in new seals that cost $10.00

insame1

2016 mbworld thanks you