w124 hydraulic fluid - probably a silly question but...

[mekon]

Hi guys, yet again my lack of mechanical knowledge has brought me here, got a w124 variety 200T, the "hydraulic fluid" is low, correct me if wrong but isnt that just ATF? i want to top up the fluid but all the stuff i have is red, stuff in the car is kinda yellow/green in nature is it a different fluid? is it just Mercedes messing with my mind trying to get me take it to main dealer? can the fluids be mixed safely?

please help!

 

[Roger Jones]

Isn't that the self-levelling suspension fluid? Exactly where are you seeing it?

 

[Will]

If, as Roger has said, you are talking about the Self-levelling Suspension (SLS) fluid - the don't mix it with ATF, it's not the same stuff.

You can buy the correct fluid from MB or I believe some other factors (GSF etc) might stock the Febi Bilstein equivalent.

Will

 

[television]

I am not sure if its ZH-M by MB or Dexron 11 ask Andy K or bolide

 

[mekon]

it may well be the self levelling suspension, im not sure, really not mechanical, and to make things more fun, the owners manual depicts a 230TE engine bay not a 200T, things are not in the same places, battery and fuse box are swapped sides, and the ATF resevoir shown in the manual is non existant!

the fluid im referring to is on the right hand side, near the front, large white container, black dipstick with a round rubber head, just slots in place doesnt lock like the manual suggests for the transmission fluid so i think it might well be the suspension fluid, which might explain why the suspension doesnt work

 

[Roger Jones]

That's the suspension-fluid reservoir. I'm surprised by a handbook reference to a reservoir for ATF, but that may just expose my limited knowledge; there's only a long dipstick probably near the back of the engine if your layout is anything like mine. But don't rely on me, because someone with better knowledge of the engine/chassis will comment shortly, no doubt.

In any event, don't imagine that any of the different fluids are multi-purpose, or you'll have a crocked car very quickly indeed.

 

[mekon]

ok, assuming it is the suspension resevoir, are the dipstick levels for normal temperature? the ATF dipstick is for running temp 80 degrees.

 

[mekon]

ok then the real question is wheres the power steering resevoir, steering groans a bit think its low :s, atf probably wants checking aswell :S

 

[television]

What year is the car or better do you have the first 6 vin numbers 124???

 

[mekon]

its an '88 200T

the bonnet release broke on me this afternoon LOL so im not guna go find the VIN ill check that when i get home and i can be bothered to get the needle nose pliers to open her up lol

 

[television]

its an '88 200T

the bonnet release broke on me this afternoon LOL so im not guna go find the VIN ill check that when i get home and i can be bothered to get the needle nose pliers to open her up lol

thats near enough,, I will post back later

 

[jaymanek]

Steering reservoir is on thr right front of the engine as you look at it. A metal top with a butterfly nut... that takes normal ATF and you just fill up to just below the top..

 

[television]

If you care to Email me I will send you the work sheet or you can put it up here and remove it with edit

the WIS gives the fluid as" hydraulic oil 1.01 can part number 000 989 91 03/10

 

[Ian B Walker]

I am not sure if its ZH-M by MB or Dexron 11 ask Andy K or bolide

Its ZH-M

 

[mekon]

Emails recieved, thank you ever so much

 

[television]

a worksheet would be appreciated very much thank you

Hope that Email address is OK 2 paper sent,, one for power steering and one for suspension

Remove your address with edit

 

[Will]

As Ian has said, the fluid is ZH-M. Available direct from MB, or from FEBI BILSTEIN (same specification - 000.989.91.03)

This is the same spec that Malcolm has posted from WIS (Mercedes-Benz Workshop Information System)

Will

 

[mekon]

anychance you have one of those worksheets for the ATF? ive found the area.... its clearly marked ATF... twas under my nose the whole time (opposite corner to the bloody manual GRRRRR) but i cant find anything that looks like a locking dipstick as indicated in the manual

 

[mekon]

oh yeah, unrelated note.... any details on the cooling system? my fan doesnt spin so idling causes a problem, going along is fine but at idle after a few minutes it starts to overheat, the blade spins freely but there is nothing driving it not had one of these before so not sure what the mechanism is

 

[Peterdon]

Locking dipstick.

Looking from front it should be on the left of the engine block near the bulkhead. The locking cap is red.