This group provides a forum for owners and operators of diesel powered motorhomes and 5th wheel tractors to discuss mechanical issues, regulatory issues (US, Canada), ownership, insurance, campground accommodations, trip reports/suggestions, and other topics relevant to large RVs and the people who drive them.
The fluid in the reservoir is a very light color, almost no color at all.
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for the fast reply.
And yes I have checked the belt tension and the steering pump is not slipping.
And,
Yes I have checked the fluid after the engine is hot.
I ran it, and shut down the motor and checked the fluid level as per the manual.
I have not opened the reservoir running though.
Just another note,
The fluid in the reservoir is a very light color, almost no color at all.
The description on the Pentosin fluid says it is green and the description on the Bilstein is yellow.
And,
I have read several blogs that say you can use ATF in the steering but I would rather use a Mercedes oil or a comparable quality product.
I read somewhere in my past that ATF is a very high in detergents and that it can cause premature failures in hydraulic systems that have natural or Buna rubber seals and o-rings.
I will probably buy the Pentosin at $22 a quart and do a complete system drain and flush.
Unless someone has had a bad experience with it.
The Bilstein is cheaper at $8.50 a quart
I would rather be out a couple of dollars for the correct fluid and save me the work of replacing the steering box or pump.
Thanks,
Sarah_Dippitty
--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, <corvallis@...> wrote:
>
> Have you checked the fluid level when the power steering has quit with the
> engine running; is the pulley on the unit still turning?
>
> Welcome to the group; these people are the best. Bill in Oregon
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Sarah Mealey
> Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 4:34 PM
> To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [diesel_mercedes] New Owner Steering Fluid Questions.
>
>
>
> Howdy,
>
> . . . .
>
> The power steering works fine when she is first started but quits altogether
> when the engine comes up to temperature.
>
> . . . .
>
> Sarah_Dippitt
>
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Have you checked the fluid level when the power steering has quit with the engine running; is the pulley on the unit still turning?
Welcome to the group; these people are the best. Bill in
From:
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 4:34 PM
To:
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] New Owner Steering Fluid Questions.
Howdy,
. . . .
The power steering works fine when she is first started but quits altogether when the engine comes up to temperature.
. . . .
Sarah_Dippitt
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Howdy,
I just picked up a beautiful '90 350SDL.
To start off,
I am a refinery millwright and I do all the maintenance on my other cars,
'91 Volvo 240 and '87 Chevy Blazer full size.
Also,
I have already read a lot of posts on other sites and blogs and I know about the "Rod Bender".
This one has 170 K so it would be a pretty good guess that it has either already been recalled or fixed.
Back to the Mercedes,
I have a little problem,
The power steering works fine when she is first started but quits altogether when the engine comes up to temperature.
So,
I have to assume that I am having a viscosity related problem.
Either the fluid that is in the car has a lower viscosity then the Mercedes fluid and it only takes a little heat to make it loose its hydraulic properties.
Or,
There is another component, steering pump or steering box that has worn to the point that the fluid is able to bypass and return to the reservoir.
That said,
I am going to start off with a new filter and a complete flush and replacement of the fluid.
Now the question for the group,
I have already speck'ed out two oils that are available locally.
Bilstein Febi 08972 and Pentosin CHF 11S.
And I have located one oil from Redline that is a higher viscosity hydraulic oil.
Anyone have a suggestion either pro or con to the Bilstein or the Pentosin oil?
And assuming that changing the filter and oil,
Anyone had any experience with the Redline High Viscosity oil?
Of course if nothing else is successful I will end up swapping out either the pump or gearbox.
Anyone have any suggestions on diagnosing which is not working?
Thanks in advance for your help and the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the 350SDL owners in the group.
Sarah_Dippitt
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http://www.shoecomics.com/archives/shoe_daily/shoe_daily120912.jpg
From:
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 6:30 AM
To:
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] On the seventh day of Christmas, Ma Benz sent to me
On the seventh day of Christmas, Ma Benz sent to me
Seven Dash Cracks running,
Six Climas cooling,
Fiiiiive compressssssion rings...
Four oil drips growing
Three half shafts clanking
Two mono valves sticking
And a vacuum leak in my one twenty three...
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On the seventh day of Christmas, Ma Benz sent to me
Seven Dash Cracks running,
Six Climas cooling,
Fiiiiive compressssssion rings...
Four oil drips growing
Three half shafts clanking
Two mono valves sticking
And a vacuum leak in my one twenty three...
| Reply via web post | Reply to sender | Reply to group | Start a New Topic | Messages in this topic (1) |
