Power steering fluid

[maartenvd]

Hi,
I am planning to change the power steering fluid in my XC70 2008 D5 (200K KM) following the following video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op6v...IsdnxeVOPNDVq_

I have purchased original power steering fluid from volvo and I have all the tools needed I think.
Is there any more advice or things I need to look out for?

The reason I want to change it is because the current fluid looks really brown and not clear. I do have the stiff steering issue when running stationary. Can I expect to improve the stiff steering with changing the fluid?

Thanks,
Maarten

[cheshired5]

I prefer this method.
Quicker, easier, cleaner, no risk of air entering the system.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-DjUmy4prx4

If your current fluid is really bad, yes you should notice an improvement.

[oragex]

As above, the steering may improve if the fluid was 8 years old, and anyway it needs replaced. Also check this thread.

I just did mine yesterday. Considering I had a fluid that can mix with the Pentosin one, I only got 1 liter of Pentosin. Front wheels off ground, key in position I. I did just like in the first video with the XC70, except I let the old fluid drain completely from the system until not more fluid would pour from the return line. Then reconnected the line to the reservoir and refilled with about 800ml of fresh fluid while turning the steering. Once a good 800ml is added, I turned the engine on and again rotated the steering to chase most air. Some air will remain for a few days then it will go away.

Only things to mention about this DIY, is to wear old dirty clothes/shoes, to have a good large plastic piece covering the engine, and lots of towel paper handy. And of course, rubber gloves.

[kenny]

If you have stiff steering at tickover and it returns if you increase the revs then you need a new pump, pipes and reservoir. Anything else will be a short term fix.

[Fakir]

I did a power steering flush couple weeks ago, using the method in the first post (which is very close to the official guide in VIDA, btw). I needed to flush the system thoroughly since the original fluid was there for 7 years (so much for dealer's care) and was dark red-brown...ish. Also, the inside of the reservoir was covered by a thin layer of some black stuff, so I removed it completely and gave it a good wash with the brake cleaner (works a treat, btw). Then I flushed it almost exactly as shown in the video, using two liters of Ravenol SSF fluid (which is compatible (I'll dare to guess that it's identical) with the original Volvo fluid, but for half the price.

The process is simple, although some care must be taken when removing and installing the fluid reservoir (the drive belts don't like oils). During the fun part with the hoses and reservoir, some air will get into the system, but that's not a problem since the bleeding is to be done anyway.

The method suggested by cheshired5 is most likely quicker, easier and cleaner, but imho it's gonna be a PITA with a P3 car (the video shows a P2 car, which has a different reservoir). Also, I would strongly recommend lifting the front wheels, since there's gonna be a lot of lock to lock steering.

[maartenvd]

Thank you all for your reactions, will give you an update when done. Nice project for the Christmas holidays.

[green van man]

Having read this thread I checked my steering fluid, bugger, dark brown at 50,000 miles, this on a dealer serviced car.
Having trawled the internet and local factors all sorts of fluids were recommended as supposedly comparable so in the end bit the bullet and baught Volvo to be sure.

If its any help to others the Volvo stuff part number30741424 is M2C204-2A which is a ford speced fluid and also Pentosin CHF 202.
I was looking for the Pentosin 202 on line, apart from obscure sellers on eBay the majority were more expensive than the price I paid Volvo for genuine.

Busy Christmas holidays for me then.

Paul.

[harveys]

Changed mine last year and used this ,Ford fluid think it was £14 ish.

.



This is what I removed. Not very green

[green van man]

Yep mines like that.
I paid just under £15 a litre all in.
The ford number is in the Volvo technical specs book the dealer has and I believe both are pentasin CHF202.

Paul.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by oragex

As above, the steering may improve if the fluid was 8 years old, and anyway it needs replaced. Also check this thread.

I just did mine yesterday. Considering I had a fluid that can mix with the Pentosin one, I only got 1 liter of Pentosin. Front wheels off ground, key in position I. I did just like in the first video with the XC70, except I let the old fluid drain completely from the system until not more fluid would pour from the return line. Then reconnected the line to the reservoir and refilled with about 800ml of fresh fluid while turning the steering. Once a good 800ml is added, I turned the engine on and again rotated the steering to chase most air. Some air will remain for a few days then it will go away.

Only things to mention about this DIY, is to wear old dirty clothes/shoes, to have a good large plastic piece covering the engine, and lots of towel paper handy. And of course, rubber gloves.

If you have the front wheels unloaded , the torsional hydraulic valve in the pinion shaft will not direct fluid from the pump to the ram you will just be moving the rack back and forth as if you had no assistance . A bit of load makes the fluid take the full route around the rack and ram and back to the reservoir which is what you want