Which power steering fluid is used in the Mercedes Benz ML 350?

This article will answer the following questions: which power steering fluid is used in Mercedes Benz ML 350? How to check the level of power steering oil in Mercedes Benz ML 350? What are a few equivalent oils that can be used in the power steering of ML 350? Does the power steering fluid for Mercedes Benz need replacement?

Which power steering fluid is used in the Mercedes Benz ML 350?

Mercedes Benz manufactures genuine power steering fluid to use in the hydraulic power steering fluids in the passenger cars. The genuine power steering oil is available across all the authorised dealerships and the part number for the power steering is A 000 989 88 03.

Mercedes Benz specifies different genuine oil types in a sheet number which can be found in the owners’ manual or on the official website. This sheet number consists of oil which is suitable to be used in the hydraulic power steering rack in the passenger cars. The power steering fluid used in the Mercedes Benz ML 350 belongs to the MB sheet number 236.3  and it is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart. 

How to check the level of power steering oil in the Mercedes Benz ML 350?

Mercedes Benz ML 350 is the third generation of the M class in the Mercedes Benz SUV lineup. It was launched in 2011. The ML 350 was powered by the M276 3.5-litre petrol engine and the power steering system installed in the vehicle was hydraulic. A power steering mechanical pump is driven by the belt connected to the crankshaft pulley, the pump pressurises the power steering fluid and the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the power steering rack via two hoses.

The oil required for the operation of the hydraulic power steering system is stored in the oil reservoir located near the power steering pump. Mercedes Benz Ml 350 even used a small heat exchanger to cool down the power steering fluid. The oil level in the power steering system can be checked in two conditions, one is below 80 degrees and the other is more than 80 degrees. Following is the procedure to check the power steering fluid level:

• Locate the power steering oil reservoir, which is located on the right-hand side of the engine and unscrew the cap.
• The oil dipstick is built into the cap, there are two markings on the bottom side of the oil dipstick.
• Depending on the temperature of the power steering oil, check the oil level with respect to the markings.
• If the oil does not wet the dipstick then the power steering fluid must be topped up.
• To check the power steering oil there is no need to screw the cap back on the power steering oil reservoir.
• Simply press the cap until it is at the level and remove it to check the power steering oil level in the reservoir.

Few Mercedes Benz models use hydraulic suspension and there is a hydraulic fluid reservoir near the power steering fluid reservoir. Do not get confused between the two fluids as mixing the two fluids will damage the hydraulic suspension system.

The power steering fluid is yellow and the hydraulic oil used in the Active body control system is blue. 

What are the few equivalent oils that can be used instead of genuine Mercedes Benz power steering oil?

Although Mercedes Benz always recommends the use of genuine lubricants and oils in various hydraulic systems in its cars, the following are some of the equivalent power steering oils that fulfil the properties of MB sheet number 236.3.

Does the power steering system of Mercedes Benz ML 350 need oil replacement?

No, the Power steering system of the Mercedes Benz  L 350 does not need an oil replacement during the periodic maintenance of the vehicle. Following are some of the situations where the oil needs to be replaced in the power steering system of ML 350

• Leak in the power steering hydraulic system

If there is a leak in the power steering hydraulic system, then the pressure in the system drops and steering of the vehicle becomes very heavy. Therefore it is crucial to rectify any leaks for the proper operation of the power steering oil system. After the cause of the leakage is rectified, the power steering fluid in the system is renewed.

• Replacing any component 

The hydraulic power steering rack in the Mercedes Benz ML 350 has many components like a power steering pump, steering rack, heat exchanger and hydraulic hoses. If any component in the system is replaced then the power steering oil must be replaced. The dust boots on either end of the steering racks are very crucial as it protects the rack and pinion gears from the external elements. Power steering system bleeding is also performed by turning the steering end to end multiple times to get rid of any air trapped in the system which can give a false oil level on the dipstick.

Mercedes Benz no longer uses the hydraulic power steering system on the latest models in the passenger car segment. Hydraulic power steering racks are replaced by electric power steering. There is an electric motor connected to the power steering rack via a belt. Depending on the speed of the vehicle the motor can support the driver in steering the vehicle.

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Conclusion

The hydraulic power steering system in the Mercedes Benz ML 350 was very reliable and didn’t cause any unexpected breakdown. The addition of a power steering oil cooler also made sure that the system pressure remains constant under different driving conditions. Mercedes Benz recommends the use of genuine power steering fluid in the passenger car. However, power steering oils with equivalent properties are readily available in the international market.