190 - Power Steering Fluid

[Grahamcol]

At the weekend I got my 190 out for the first time in 5 months, ready for its MOT in a couple of weeks. I did notice the power steering fluid needed topping up but I don't know which fluid to buy. The Haynes manual says something about MB approved fluid and suggests Duckhams Fleetmatic A. I've never heard of this and certainly can't find any in Halfords. Does anyone know of an easily sourced suitable suitable fluid please. I might add that I was a little surprised that the existing fluid isn't red. I thought it would be some kind of ATF and that is usually red is it not ? It is actually a golden colour, similar to that of new engine oil. Many thanks in advance

 

[krimat2005]

any DEXTRON II be good, yes it is ATF, like Castrol TQ. you could change the fluid and filter as well, not many people know there is a filter at the bottom of reservoir, it's about £5.

 

[stwat]

At the weekend I got my 190 out for the first time in 5 months, ready for its MOT in a couple of weeks. I did notice the power steering fluid needed topping up but I don't know which fluid to buy. The Haynes manual says something about MB approved fluid and suggests Duckhams Fleetmatic A. I've never heard of this and certainly can't find any in Halfords. Does anyone know of an easily sourced suitable suitable fluid please. I might add that I was a little surprised that the existing fluid isn't red. I thought it would be some kind of ATF and that is usually red is it not ? It is actually a golden colour, similar to that of new engine oil. Many thanks in advance

Are you sure you checked the correct fluid bottle? Does your car have SLS or an ASD diff? The SLS/ASD bottle is plastic and on the left had side of the engine bay at the front. The power steering is on the right hand side and has a screw on top.

SLS/ASD fluid is golden but the power steering should be red ATF Dextron II.

 

[krimat2005]

Are you sure you checked the correct fluid bottle? Does your car have SLS or an ASD diff? The SLS/ASD bottle is plastic and on the left had side of the engine bay at the front. The power steering is on the right hand side and has a screw on top.

SLS/ASD fluid is golden but the power steering should be red ATF Dextron II.

You're wrong on a W201 190's both are on right hand side of the engine bay, if applicable.

 

[Will]

You're wrong on a W201 190's both are on right hand side of the engine bay, if applicable.

Not on all of them

 

[stwat]

You're wrong on a W201 190's both are on right hand side of the engine bay, if applicable.

I have only ever seen the SLS/ASD bottle on the left hand side(looking from the front)

That is on 16 valve and non 16 valve cars. But if some are different then fair enough

The power steering reservoir however, is always on the right hand side on all M102 and M103 engines and quite posibly the diesel engines too.

 

[Grahamcol]

Thanks to all you folks who replied. I've definately got the right bottle,it's on the nearside at the front of the engine. On the Opie oil site it seems to recommend Hypoid 90 oil for the power steering but according to you guys it's ATF (which is what I thought would be correct too). You can see why I'm confused, especially as the colour of the existing fluid isn't the usual red of ATF. Thanks for the suggestion about filter change too. I did come across this yesterday somewhere on the web. Looks like I may have to get some ATF Dexron 2 and do a fluid change + filter. However, I'm just wondering whether ATF will mix with whatever's in there already assuming I just want to top up for now.