Mercedes Power Steering Fluid, $7/q

[Audi Junkie]

So, browsing the fluids section at my Mega-Dealer because I botched my Honda Power Steering Fluid flush by runing short, I had to top off with generic Dex III, it's a do-over.

Checked out some Volvo PSF, which mentioned cold weather, it was $21/l (same price as Pentosin) but the MB was only $7 for a full quart. The Honda "Genuine" PSF is $3.50 for 12oz, do I grabbed the Mercedes. MB has pretty strict spec book on all fluids, and afaik used Pentosin as PSF like Audi does.

Maybe MB wised up and wanted something thicker than Pentosin CHF 11S or just cheaper. Similar price to Mobil 1 ATF, but the alledged seal compatability issue is null, it's speced for PSF! I'm gonna use it in my Honda. Seems ideal for Audi duty.

 

[wavinwayne]

You mean this stuff?:

I had to top up my wife's '04 ML350 recently. I only paid $7 and change for it. After further research, I believe this is a generic Dexron/Mercon clone. The owner's manual states that Dexron/Mercon PSF can be substituted for the OEM PSF.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I'll put it out in the cold and see how viscous it gets.

 

[ffracer]

Sure looks like an ExxonMobil package, which is a partner with Mercedes-Benz.

 

[George7941]

What is this seal incompatability issue?

Are PS seals that different from transmission seals?

The reason for my questions is that I am replacing the PSF in a 2006 GMC Sierra Rack and Pinion with Mobil 1 ATF. Now you have me wodering if I will run into problems.

 

[Audi Junkie]

The seal thing is a maybe. I hear this in regards to going from Pentosin to ATF. I know a lot of people who converted and their systems work better.

 

[wavinwayne]

I have read several reports on various VW forums of folks who used generic PSF to top up late-model VW PS systems. The results were severe leaks from all the seals in the system. VW underestimates the avg. American car owner's ignorance of what fluid goes where, and their unwillingness to find out. They need to put big, bright red warning stickers on every fill hole that say's "USE FLUID XXXX ONLY, OR THIS SYSTEM WILL SELF-DESTRUCT!"

 

[Kestas]

ww, I'll have to take that VW forum info with a grain of salt. Those people probably had to top off their system because it was already leaking.

Now if people reported severe leaks after a fluid exchange, then I'd give more credence to the VW folk.

 

[wavinwayne]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
ww, I'll have to take that VW forum info with a grain of salt. Those people probably had to top off their system because it was already leaking.

Now if people reported severe leaks after a fluid exchange, then I'd give more credence to the VW folk.


I tend to agree with the people who claim the massive leaks. The reason is because VW's labeling on their PSF bottle is so insistent that it not be mixed with anything else, as seen in this pic:

 

[Audi Junkie]

The factory fill table I have says not to use ATF as PSF.

 

[wavinwayne]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
The factory fill table I have says not to use ATF as PSF.


On which vehicle?

 

[Audi Junkie]