Steering: 70: Which power steering fluid?

[scotsgent]

Volvo V70, 10 valve, 2.5 petrol Auto, 1999

Hi Guys,

I am gradually working through a programme of preventative maintainance and wish to flush and refill my power steering system.

My Volvo handbook gives the fluid type as "Pentosin CHF 11 S". Haynes recommends "Dexron type ATF"

So..... my question is will a 'normal' Dexron 3 ATF of any brand be OK?

If so, then I guess a fully synthetic type such as Amsoil or Mobile ATF would be good as an upgrade to the recommended?

Is this correct?

Also, I believe a magnet suspended within the reservoir would be benficial in collecting ferrous particles. I had thought of epoxying a large 'penny washer' on the outside of the reservoir just under the inlet pipe and below the normal fluid level and then placing one of these small very powerful magnets (about the size of a £1 piece) within the reservoir at the same level as the washer. I guess there might be an outside chance of the magnet being displaced within the reservoir and then going down the feed pipe to the pump!!! (I doubt that this is really possible since the magnets are incredibly strong).

Does this sound like a reasonable (or daft!) idea?

Cheers, Terry

[Georgey dee]

The power steering systems on the 850s are very very reliable and should not need any work for the life of the car. I'm a big fan of preventative work but with the power steering system, i would leave it. (if it aint broke) and all that. One false move and the pump is a gonna!!!

[Chris_Rogers]

Originally Posted by scotsgent

Volvo V70, 10 valve, 2.5 petrol Auto, 1999

Hi Guys,

I am gradually working through a programme of preventative maintainance and wish to flush and refill my power steering system.

My Volvo handbook gives the fluid type as "Pentosin CHF 11 S". Haynes recommends "Dexron type ATF"

So..... my question is will a 'normal' Dexron 3 ATF of any brand be OK?

If so, then I guess a fully synthetic type such as Amsoil or Mobile ATF would be good as an upgrade to the recommended?

Is this correct?

Also, I believe a magnet suspended within the reservoir would be benficial in collecting ferrous particles. I had thought of epoxying a large 'penny washer' on the outside of the reservoir just under the inlet pipe and below the normal fluid level and then placing one of these small very powerful magnets (about the size of a £1 piece) within the reservoir at the same level as the washer. I guess there might be an outside chance of the magnet being displaced within the reservoir and then going down the feed pipe to the pump!!! (I doubt that this is really possible since the magnets are incredibly strong).

Does this sound like a reasonable (or daft!) idea?

Cheers, Terry

Don't bother with magnets.

Use only Pentosin CHF 11 S, if you put ATF in there you will have to replace the pump, rack and all the pipework!

[scotsgent]

OK Chris,

I will go with your recommendation...the Volvo stuff it is then!

However, does that mean that Haynes, in recommending a Dexron 111 ATF have got it completely wrong!?

Cheers, Terry

[Chris_Rogers]

Yes & No, ATF was used in the earlier cars (which have the fluid reservior mounted on the power steering pump) but Haynes seem not to have caught up with the later models.
Note the fluids are quite different, ATF is red and relatively thick in comparison to the green very thin fluid required on the later models.
ATF in the later model destroys the seals.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Chris_Rogers

Yes & No, ATF was used in the earlier cars (which have the fluid reservior mounted on the power steering pump) but Haynes seem not to have caught up with the later models.
Note the fluids are quite different, ATF is red and relatively thick in comparison to the green very thin fluid required on the later models.
ATF in the later model destroys the seals.

That would explain why my 940's rack leaks then..
When I got it it had red stuff in it.
Like a good little lboy I continued to use red stuff..

Ok, so assuming the above, if I was to get a new rack, would a flush and then fill with "the green stuff" be the order of the day?
The pump does make noise, but this only when the rack is below the min level on the top-up stick..

Des. . .

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Just as an update to this, I have checked my V90 and that too has red stuff in the power stearing filler....

Just off to check the manual... Hmmmm

UPDATE: Both owners manuals for the 940 and V90 say ATF.... No mention of anything special at all..

Des. . .

[Chris_Rogers]

The later 70 series cars are from MY '99 onwards I would expect that the 90 series would use ATF.

[ShadeTek]

I would reccomend fitting an in-line filter. The best on the market is a Magnefine filter which alleges to filter out 99.9% of everything foriegn floating in there. All Volvo power steering sytems will eventually leak as the do not have a service schedule for them. The cars cars are only supposed to last 100,000 miles but nutters like us keep them going for a lot longer. Go here for more info....

http://www.emergingent.com/subpage1Magnefine.htm

You can buy direct from them or from eBay here....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-8-M...spagenameZWD2V

Dead easy to fit and well worth the dosh. Also check this....

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...g+rack+failure

[scotsgent]

Thanks Tek,

Useful info' there, the PS filter seems a no-brainer, I think I will get one.

Cheers, Terry