Interesting Servicing Find - power steering fluid change

[XC90Mk1]

Those who know me know I am pretty thorough with my servicing having changed the auto box fluid and Haldex fluid etc, regular oil changes, brake fluid, coolant etc etc.

All of the tasks have been very simple and straight forward, the D5 is easy to work on. Over 4.5 years and 60,000 miles my all in costs are £2,300 for everything including tyres and all brake rotors etc etc, that’s less than £500 a year for a luxury car. All parts and fluids etc are also genuine Volvo.

A friends V70 has recently gone to the big scrapyard in the sky following steering rack failure.

So this week at 115,000 miles I reviewed my power steering fluid.

1). Got pipet (£3) and measured to 1/2” above fluid take off point.
2). Measured approximately 220ml of fluid removal to half inch above take off point.
3). Refilled with 200ml and then corrected the level.

There are no service requirements for power steering fluid however the old fluid was a dark treacle colour (not really any green left), and had legs when swirled around in a pot. It also foamed and went airy when poured. The new fluid was a lovey runny green.

The cost to change out 220ml of fluid is around £3-4 per change and I have no doubt will benifit the rack.

I am sure others may identify better ways to flush but for me I tend to change oil every 6k and accordingly each 6k I will now change 220ml, a bit like a sump dump for the auto box.

Any thoughts or comments?

And happy new year to all!