Fluids replacement

[HankScorpio]

Hi all.

I'm looking for people's opinions on which fluids to get for my 2006 V70R. It's had a couple of oil changes since I've had it, but I'm going to give it some extra love.

Brake fluid has already been changed, so I'm not too concerned about this. I also have oil sorted (8 litres of Castrol Edge arrives today).

I am looking at flushing the auto gearbox, so which fluid would you recommend. Manual says JWS 3309, but there are a few different makes.

I'm not sure when coolant was last changed, so while I'm getting covered in crap, I might as well do this too. Again, does anyone have any recommendations? I did debate going waterless, but going against my usual mantra of 'If it ain't broke, bugger around with it until it is' I think I'll just keep it traditional.

Be interested to hear thoughts on power steering fluid too, but this is down the list.

Finally, and at risk of opening a massive can of worms and starting a Coronovirus thread size debate, what are people's thoughts on using an oil that says a different manufacturer on the front? I've always thought that as long as it's the correct grade (e.g. 5W-30) and of decent quality (e.g. Castrol Edge), then it's not really an issue. Not saying that I got a good deal on Porsche oil of the correct grade

[eternal optimist]

I’m using Mannol fully synthetic JWS3309 in my XC70. Very happy with it, about £30 for ten litres on eBay. Can’t recall what the PAS fluid is, it’s definitely not ATF, CHF11s IIRC. The brand I use is Comma. I syringe the old fluid out of the reservoir and fill with fresh. Run the engine and turn lock to lock a couple of times, rinse and repeat.

Providing the oil is the right spec (I’d imagine A5/B5 on yours?) you’ll be fine. I use Mann engine oil filters, when I bought Volvo filters, they’re stamped Mann.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by HankScorpio

Hi all.

I'm looking for people's opinions on which fluids to get for my 2006 V70R. It's had a couple of oil changes since I've had it, but I'm going to give it some extra love.

Brake fluid has already been changed, so I'm not too concerned about this. I also have oil sorted (8 litres of Castrol Edge arrives today).

I am looking at flushing the auto gearbox, so which fluid would you recommend. Manual says JWS 3309, but there are a few different makes.

I'm not sure when coolant was last changed, so while I'm getting covered in crap, I might as well do this too. Again, does anyone have any recommendations? I did debate going waterless, but going against my usual mantra of 'If it ain't broke, bugger around with it until it is' I think I'll just keep it traditional.

Be interested to hear thoughts on power steering fluid too, but this is down the list.

Finally, and at risk of opening a massive can of worms and starting a Coronovirus thread size debate, what are people's thoughts on using an oil that says a different manufacturer on the front? I've always thought that as long as it's the correct grade (e.g. 5W-30) and of decent quality (e.g. Castrol Edge), then it's not really an issue. Not saying that I got a good deal on Porsche oil of the correct grade

Mannol transmission fluid is great... many people in the Volvo community use it.

The grade & spec of your oil is most important. Brand wise, you can use who you want, but I'd only suggest using decent ones like Castrol or Shell personally. You'll need 0W-30 A5/B5 for your engine (Pretty sure yours is a euro 4?). Volvo recommend Castrol oil, so you made a good choice purchasing that.

With regards to coolant, genuine Volvo is the way to go in my opinion. It lasts for years & is well worth the extra cost.

[BlueRubber]

The power steering fluid is CHF11s (the fluid colour is bright green), flush it once a year ideally. I think any oil that is this type will be fine.
For the gearbox if you can afford it go for genuine fluid, but it's not 100% essential.
Use only Volvo OEM concentrated coolant, I paid about £18 for 4L from my dealer and use de-ionised or ideally distilled water with it. 50/50 ratio
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153490702952 (that's what I used )
Great video made by a forum member on how to do a coolant flush:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMkRdCUAlks
For engine oil I would recommend Mobile 1 or a simular high quality oil, I wouldn't bother using it in my NA car but high quality oil in your car is most certainly worth it.

[HankScorpio]

Thanks very much. Mannol atf it is then.

Out of interest, do you know the mixing ratio of the volvo coolant? Manual says I need 9l of coolant (mixed). I can find 4l bottles of concentrated but can't find the mixing ratio anywhere. I'm going to hazard a guess and say it's 50/50, just to make sure I need an extra bottle

Edit: cheers Blue Rubber, you answered my question while I was typing.

[barrybritcher]

always go 50 50 or 60water 40coolant, anything richer will have less heat capacity ie overheat

[Georgeandkira]

Late to the party here. I was "up" watching small flocks of south bound geese joining up to form larger flocks.

What color is anyone's volvo coolant?
I have a newly purchased US gallon labeled Volvo concentrate which is a "clear, pale blue. It's a bit more pail than, say, Honda Type 2 Coolant.

I also have a jug of the deep blue style. Is that the G-48?

[barrybritcher]

North America?

Probably different spec

Europe likes to use ethelene glycol.

North America normally uses propalene.

Excuse the spelling.

[HankScorpio]

Thanks for the previous advice Barry. I'll get a 4l and 1l bottle, mix 50/50 and have a bit left over.

Went to order a new oil filter, crush washer, coolant, fuel filter and atf yesterday but couldnt justify pressing the 'buy' button as the postage was £13... Drank quite a lot of rum tonight though, so might pluck up the courage to be ripped off in a bit!

Going to change bulbs, swap spark plugs, rebuild pcv and do steering fluid next summer.

[100K+]

Originally Posted by HankScorpio

Hi all.

I'm looking for people's opinions on which fluids to get for my 2006 V70R. It's had a couple of oil changes since I've had it, but I'm going to give it some extra love.

Brake fluid has already been changed, so I'm not too concerned about this. I also have oil sorted (8 litres of Castrol Edge arrives today).

I am looking at flushing the auto gearbox, so which fluid would you recommend. Manual says JWS 3309, but there are a few different makes.

I'm not sure when coolant was last changed, so while I'm getting covered in crap, I might as well do this too. Again, does anyone have any recommendations? I did debate going waterless, but going against my usual mantra of 'If it ain't broke, bugger around with it until it is' I think I'll just keep it traditional.

Be interested to hear thoughts on power steering fluid too, but this is down the list.

Finally, and at risk of opening a massive can of worms and starting a Coronovirus thread size debate, what are people's thoughts on using an oil that says a different manufacturer on the front? I've always thought that as long as it's the correct grade (e.g. 5W-30) and of decent quality (e.g. Castrol Edge), then it's not really an issue. Not saying that I got a good deal on Porsche oil of the correct grade

You mention the "obvious" fluids but forget(?) the "specials to the R" ones.
Bevel gear, Haldex, and rear diff.....To give her real love you need to change these too??

....And if you REALLY REALLY love her.... you'll change her Haldex filter ....

When I did mine I used genuine Volvo items, as its a once in a life time job - unless like me you have a keeper, then you might do it again and again

Lots of info on here... and help from members too.


Cheers
Bob