E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

Best way to flush power steering fluid?

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Old Oct 6, 2009 | 09:16 PM
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Best way to flush power steering fluid?

So I got a new filter + fluid....Neither probably ever been changed on either of my w124's so I would like to do it.

Do I just replace the fluid out of the PS tower, or is there a way to flush everything out of the system?
My Mercedes Bible says just do the tower....but I read somewhere that just doing the tower is pointless...so

Thanks
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 12:33 AM
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From: Forethill, Ca Northcal
85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
I read somewhere to use a baster for turkeys? Have no clue keep us posted.
They have filters?
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 12:58 AM
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I was gonna use something along those lines to get it all out of the tower....but what about the rest of the system?

And yes filter.



Sits at the bottom. My book says it takes very small pliers to get it out.
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 01:44 AM
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From: Forethill, Ca Northcal
85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
I need to get that bible!! i would recommend sucking it out filling it up with fresh fluid then sucking it out again and filling it up. Do it a few times through out a month
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 02:27 AM
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Anybody know the system capacity?

---

PS: This is the book
http://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Benz-...4896348&sr=8-1
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 03:27 AM
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E 220 Coupe E 320 Cabrio AMG E 300 Diesel
The system capacity is approx. 1 liter, but if your is equiped with ASD and/or selflevelling suspension is 2 liter.

I'ts a long time since I change this fluid but I remember I found a bolt in the steering gearbox to drain all fluid. Be careful when remove because there is a spring inside pressed by the bolt.

As my car has not ASD was easy to drain all fluid.
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 05:42 PM
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Why would SLS mean it has a 2L capacity? Just curious....Obviously it will only affect my wagon.
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 10:06 PM
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1989 300E 105,000 miles
Flush

Someone mentioned recently to disconnect the upper hose (low pressure) to the pump and put it into a catch container. While someone turns the wheel from side to side, pour fresh fluid into the reservor until it starts coming out clear. I think they said it may take a liter or two before that happens. Change the filter after the fluid is clean, not before.

I have a filter sitting on my shelf waiting to be installed. Not really looking forward to flushing the system. I have changed the fluid from the reservor several times but it still looks dirty.....................not sure if it accomplished much.
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Old Oct 8, 2009 | 02:03 AM
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From: Madrid
E 220 Coupe E 320 Cabrio AMG E 300 Diesel
Originally Posted by ps2cho
Why would SLS mean it has a 2L capacity? Just curious....Obviously it will only affect my wagon.
This is because the system for SLS and Power steering are joined: the power steering pump is slightly modified to provide preasure to both systems. But watch out! I know this is right for later models, those with SLS tank on the left side of the engine compartment (driver's side). I don't know exactly how the system is for older models: those with the SLS tank on the right side of engine compartment (the tank is like a cylinder).
I don't know if your wagon has both systems joined or not, check it! but is important because the fluid may be different.
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Old Oct 8, 2009 | 09:37 AM
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300TE, 300CE
Correct info

Incorrect information from Madrid ndm.

ALL six cylinder 124 car's power steering capacity is 1 liter- that means sedan, TE, CE, and cab.

NO 124 tandem pump allows cross flow between the power steering function (power steering fluid) and the SLS function (hydraulic fluid).

I have disconnected the low pressure hose only one time to flush my TE, and I don't think I'll do it for the others. If you do this, have the low hose securely in a container, have a friend to turn the car on and off, be poised over the reservoir with 1 or 2 liters of PS fluid ready to pour, and have your friend turn the wheel lock to lock, and not take their hand off the key. The fluid runs out of the reservoir quickly! Not a one man job.

I change the PS fluid and filter every 30K miles. Compulsive, sure. I remove the filter, suction out the reservoir, fill with no filter, drive around the neighborhood, suction out the reservoir again, put in the new filter, and fill to mark. Again, compulsive, but I autocross and like clean fluids.

Last edited by ds190; Oct 8, 2009 at 09:39 AM.
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Old Oct 8, 2009 | 10:32 AM
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From: Madrid
E 220 Coupe E 320 Cabrio AMG E 300 Diesel
Ok! sorry for the mistake. So the tandem pump has really 2 independent pumps for both systems. I thought it was only one, sorry to all members!!
ds190, thanks for the correction!!
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