ACTIVE Suspension Fluid A and other options

[lino]

My car has a leak somewhere in the suspension and I'm running low on Fluid A. I'm having a hard time getting work done on my car, because most garages are rejecting me saying that my car is too complex and the other ones won't let me share any info I have saying that they know how to do their job and go to the waiting area, meanwhile they're scratching their heads.

I live in Canada and the Active cars never came here, so the dealers have no experience, no knowledge and no parts. Some think that car is HICAS and are convinced. Anyway, my true techs/garage is you fine gentlemen 90% of the time and I thank you.

A big help for me is texasoil who has always helped me with my car since the very beginning and treated me like gold. I respect him tremendously and appreciate all he has done for me.

For me to get the Fluid A from the US, it will cost $12/liter +$20 in shipping for 1 bottle. The other solution is to use a substitute. Texasoil said that in my situation, it will be ok to use Mercedes ZH-M. I called the dealer an dthe price is $20 and it is available and 5 minutes away.

Sorry about the resolution pics...no camera right now, so I had to use an old cell phone cam:

Original Mercedes ZH-MThe Hydraulic Fluid, ZH-M was only made by Aral Vitamol.

Here are 2 links:http://www.aral-lubricants.com...=0649

http://www.aral-lubricants.com...=0478

So now I'm off to buy some fluid and will post an update soon.

More reading for anyone interested:

I called one Mercedes dealer and they offer FEBI ZH-M as opposed to the original stuff.

Here is another brand of fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S Synthetic Hydraulic FluidFully synthetic hydraulic fluid for steering and central hydraulic systems. This synthetic fluid is correct for many later models which specify synthetic fluid. Temperature range -40C to +130C. Should not be mixed with ATF fluids or other power steering fluids. ***Note - this is currently sold as part # G00200 by Audi/VW as of 1990, replacing Pentosin CHF7.1

Pentosin CHF 7.1 Hydraulic FluidSpecial mineral based hydraulic fluid for use in power steering, central hydraulic and suspension level control systems. Should not be mixed with ATF or other fluids. Temperature range -40C to +100C. ***Note - this was sold as part # G00200 by Audi/VW through 1989. As of 1990 Audi/VW is selling Pentosin CHF11S as their part # G002000.

This is a comparison chart and some information:http://www.candokaraoke.com/tony.html

[lino]

Just picked up a 1 liter bottle from Mercedes and poured the whole thing in. The fluid level is at the middle mark of the dipstick and I'm back in business!!!

Thank you texasoil

It's alive again!!!!

I love this car on days like today .

[ScottJackson]

The CHF 11s is what my '95 bmw 540i uses for power steering. I've heard that can be flushed out and changed to regular Dexron trans fluid but should NOT be mixed. I somewhat wonder if the active Q can be completely drained and then use some cheaper fruid... eh, I guess the authentic Nissan fruid isn't TOO expensive. Is there any way to rebuild the actuators? I don't recall there being a way but I've got 3 that are leaking and the Marvel Mystery Oil hasn't seemed to do the trick. As a side note, I can't fit the bellhousing of the big block ford I was wanting to swap into my Q so it's staying active and VH powered for now. Always something prevents my great ideas... although my 351C will still fit (just don't know if it's worth the swap to only get 100hp more). I forsee either going to a remote mount turbo on the VH or getting too old to care about going fast before I ever modify my car.

[texasoil]

I am working on (getting close) to being able to offer resealing of active struts. (Replacing the seals).

[lino]

My car is leaking from the rear left, even after the Marvel Mystery Oil. I still haven't taken the car to a shop to get in on a lift, but from kneeling down in the driveway, it sure looks like it's coming from the rear left actuator area. The stain that's on the diveway is about the size of a CD. I've moved the car and parked it in different parts and the leak is always from the same spot and leaves about the same amount of fluid. I'm just waiting to see how long it's going to take to see the red light light up on my dash.

[q45a_owner_1994]

Hello,
I've been having suspension issues in my '94 Inifiniti Q45a. I checked the dipstick for the suspension fluid and there wasn't a drop on it so I went and purchased a liter of Pentosin CHF 11S Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid. Now I have 2 questions: will this fluid work in my car, and since the level of the old fluid is so low, would it be ok to just add the new fluid instead of having to drain the whole system? It says specifically on the Pentosin not to mix with any other fluids, but is that concrete advice or are they just covering their butts?

[elwesso]

I honestly wouldn't mess with it and just use the Nissan stuff.

[Infinitiguy19]

Texas Oil AKA Keith has told me that Dexron VI (6) is okay to run in the Active Suspension system. The ride maybe a bit firmer though.