(If you've ever owned a British car you know PAS = Power Assisted Steering, which I've used in the title for brevity)
This mechanic with 20+ years experience recommends using AMSOIL synthetic ATF as power steering fluid instead of the factory recommended Pentosin CHF 11S. Has anyone else ever tried this? And please, I'm only looking for those with direct knowledge on the matter. I don't want non-technical input like, "I just don't think it's a good idea to veer from the factory recommendation." OK? Please. I don't want to hear opinions! (as that adds nothing of substance to the topic)

You Tube

Also I find it interesting that you can buy the Mercedes factory PAS fluid for almost half the price of Pentosin CHF 11S!!! I wonder why.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...fluid-q1460001
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/hyd...chf11s-1-liter

 

I ran into this with an audi and it wasnt pretty. Seals etc toast.

I googled it just now to make sure this was the same situation and this thread covers it.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1263922

 

Pentosin CHF 11S is the same as Mercedes Q1320001.
I found this thread about the https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...460001#fitment
Mercedes PAS fluid that FCP Euro lists for our car: https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15703
It's a G-Wagon thread, so take from it what you will. These are the pertinent bits...

I'm in NYC so get my work done at MB Manhattan, its pricey but they work on tons of G's and have always done quality work for me , they say they are the only Mercedes factory-owned dealer in the US. Make sure if you change fluid they use the Mercedes power steering gear oil (Q1460002) , NOT Pentosin CHF 11S or Mercedes equivalent.

Why? (since I'm using Pentosin CHF 11S)

As far as I know the Mercedes steering gear oil is what comes in the car from the factory and is the recommended fluid, its not fully synthetic like the Pentosin. I know a lot of the newer Mercedes use the Pentosin but those don't have the recirculating ball steering system. I used Pentosin accidentally for a few thousand miles and the steering feel became much looser and was slightly seeping from the steering box. I recently flushed the system and went back to the original fluid and steering feels much better and no more seepage. I'm not sure if the CHF 11S would cause any harm but there was a vast difference in steering feel for me compared to the Q1460002.

 

I'll keep that in mind. Was thinking of flushing it as it's still the original fluid, but will remove a little & look at it first.

I think FCP Euro may have mis-listed the MB-branded PAS fluid for our car as although they say Q1460002 the picture shows Q1460001 and the URL link has Q1460001.

autohausAZ is all over the place.
They say this is the correct fluid: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FB-Q1460001
While this is NOT the correct fluid!!! https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/Q1460001
Yet everyone agrees Pentosin CHF 11S is correct: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/CHF11S
And that Mercedes Q1320001 is also correct: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/Q1320001

 

According to this the 170 can use atf.

Power Steering Fluid: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Pentosin CHF 11S(R) Power Steering Fluid

Date: July 21, 2006

Order No.: P-B-46.00/44

Supersedes:

Group: 46

SUBJECT:
All Model 171, 203, 209, 211, 215, 219, 220, 221 and 230 Power Steering Fluid - Pentosin CHF 11S

All of the above mentioned model vehicles must use power steering fluid Pentosin CHF 11S (MB part no. BQ 1320001).

Note: Model 210 which is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering gear and older models equipped with re-circulating ball steering gear box (e.g., 124,
129, 170, 140, 202 and 208) must use MB power steering fluid MB pin BQ 1460001 or approved Dexron III ATF.

 

CHF 7.1 is the stuff I ran into the problem with on the audi.

It was an audi 5000 and the clutch cylinder went toast when mixed with whatever I put in there. I cant remember what I mixed with it though its been over 30 years ago.

Ive been very careful when I see Pentosin labels on things ever since.

 

1) I am SO totally with you there.
2) Stay away from Facebook - where the average technical IQ is about 20.

 

I have a 2008 version of the Crossfire factory repair manual. Last night I was reading about the overall operation of the steering system and there in B&W it starkly said "Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid." So for me that brings this topic to a close. If anyone needs to know exactly the section that appears in I can find it again in about 2 minutes as I highlighted it. Until this car every one with power steering I ever owned had a power-steering rack. This being a worm & roller design, it instead works simply by moving the pitman arm. I've read some about what's best for the Crossfire since opening this topic and I've learned that you should definitely use a full-synthetic power steering fluid, specifically one that says it meets the requirements of one or more of these:
1) Pentosin CHF 11S
2) Mercedes-Benz Q1320001
3) Mercedes-Benz Approval/Specification 345.0

 

BTW, the whining noise that I had just assumed was the power steering pump isn't that at all. It's coming from the other side of the engine and is not the accessory drive belt, as when I mist water onto the belt's contact surface the nature of the noise doesn't change at all. It has to be caused by one of three components:
1) Idler Pulley
2) Water Pump
3) Alternator (bearings)

Some might suggest that I replace the Idler Pulley as it's by far the least expensive possible culprit, which is a pretty sensible argument. However, does anyone have any hard-earned wisdom to toss my way? I hate to just replace parts when my odds are only 1 out of 3.

 

Use a stethoscope on the bearings and see if you can spot the problem.
Or remove the belt and spin the pulleys.

 

A mechanic's stethoscope is $4.99 and I've never bought one. Damn! Talk about an idiot!
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63691.html