Is this power steering fluid ok ?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by A lex

It is CHF11s that is to be used.

Volvo are notoriously **** at printing out the correct specs.

They even managed to print ATF fluid in V70/S60 manuals when it should be Pentosin CHF11S that is used, leading to a huge amount of private individuals / garages and even dealers filling the cars with the wrong fluid over the years.

Any volvo >2001 uses CHF11S hydraulic fluid (sometimes called Pentosin), despite what any manual or spec sheet tells you otherwise.

Volvo always used red ATF in the power steering until around the Mid 1990's when they found with very low temperatures ( about - 10 C and lower ) the assistance could become erratic ... So they introduced this new Green synthetic fluid in the factory which goes on to this day , this has better low temperature performance .
There is no harm at all in using red fluid , they said at the time it was optional and either could be used although best not to mix .
Power steering hydraulics havent changed over the years , a 2015 pump is just like a 1990 pump ... there must be something about it in the older handbooks .. i remember reading it at the time in an old green headed bulletin . . If anyone has a collection of these maybe they can dig it out .

[12345]

Originally Posted by 12345

It's the silver part that holds the rubber hose onto the metal pipe that's weeping. Can this be tightened ? Here's a photo I found on line of a similar hose.

Thanks

Hope that makes sense.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by 12345

It's the silver part that holds the rubber hose onto the metal pipe that's weeping. Can this be tightened ? Here's a photo I found on line of a similar hose.

Thanks

i see now , very often there is a slight weep/drip from the hose clamp onto the low pressure hose on the pump . you weepage is the high pressure ( 1000 psi ) side . not much you can do except a new hose , but if it is just damp it should be ok .

[A lex]

CHF11s is a synthetic hydraulic oil.

ATF is mineral oil based (from petroleum).

Chemically they are similar, but they come with different additives.

Mixing them is where the problems start, as the additives react to make stuff called a flocculate (a big messy goo) that will clog things up / create blow back and eventually rupture seals.

Volvo started filling the PAS systems in the factory from 2000 onwards (ie the P2 cars) or perhaps even a little earlier with the CHF11S fluid, and then printed in the handbook to use ATF - i.e. causing a mixture and subsequent problems.

Clan is correct to state that either can technically be used, as they have almost identical lubrication properties. However, to use ATF in your XC90 you would need to drain the CHF11S very (very) carefully, then clean and flush the system through and then re-fill with ATF..... of course the much easier thing to do is to simply top off with the factory original CHF11S fluid.

If you add CHF11S to an ATF system, or vice-versa, you will encounter expensive problems.

[12345]

Originally Posted by Clan

i see now , very often there is a slight weep/drip from the hose clamp onto the low pressure hose on the pump . you weepage is the high pressure ( 1000 psi ) side . not much you can do except a new hose , but if it is just damp it should be ok .

Thanks for the reassurance. I think my warranty will cover replacing the pipe.

[12345]

I sucked out the fluid in the reservoir today. About 250ml. The fluid was brown and murky and put fresh fluid back in, I'll leave it a week and replace again. I'll do this 2 times and hopefully I will have a power steering system with fresh fluid. It's a easy job and nice knowing its clean.

[Dave18050]

I have been reading this thread with interest. I live in France and have recently bought a 2004 XC90 D5 163bhp. I noticed the power steering fluide is black, mucky and could do with a change. I am happy with how to do the job, thanks to you tube and this site, but want to make sure I am using the correct fluid. The closest Volvo dealer is 100km away but I can get this from my local store, which is a little like Halfords. https://www.feuvert.fr/huile-boite-p...ml#description Not much to go from the description, and I know its in French, but it says that it is CHF. Will this be ok?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Dave18050

https://www.feuvert.fr/huile-boite-p...ml#description Not much to go from the description, and I know its in French, but it says that it is CHF. Will this be ok?

Yes.

[Harley Dave]

Here's a link to an English language site which I found interesting

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-89619-mo...lic-fluid.aspx

Cheers

Dave

[Gazzaa]

Has anyone tried this stuff, meets the Volvo spec and my Mrs's Focus, 5ltrs is plenty to flush and top up both cars.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/5L-CHF-FLUID...-/111994460587

Cheers
Gazza