Steering: 70: - Which power steering fluid?

scotsgent · Apr 16th, 2007, 12:22

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 12:42

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 13:15

Quote:

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 13:25

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 14:15

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 16:30

Hi,

Quote:

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 · Apr 16th, 2007, 17:15

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. . .

RUTV70 · Feb 19th, 2012, 09:42

Quote:

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.

Ya learn something every day.!!...My handbook say ATF..Haynes says ATF...yet the fluid is definitely thin and "greenish"..which I assume means it's Pentosin.!!...Now had I not read this thread..and needed to top up my PS fluid, I WOULD have used ATF.!! (without possibly checking physically what was already in it.!!)...what a mistake THAT would have been.!!!
Thanks for the heads up.!

Neil

960kg · Feb 19th, 2012, 14:37

This is interesting and should answer a few questions!

jamesferns · Feb 19th, 2012, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUTV70

Ya learn something every day.!!...My handbook say ATF..Haynes says ATF...yet the fluid is definitely thin and "greenish"..which I assume means it's Pentosin.!!...Now had I not read this thread..and needed to top up my PS fluid, I WOULD have used ATF.!! (without possibly checking physically what was already in it.!!)...what a mistake THAT would have been.!!!
Thanks for the heads up.!

Neil

If the cars handbook and i assume its the correct one you have, states ATF then id say its ATF , the fact that its got CF11 in now could be because someone has used the wrong fluid in the past
My last v70 was a 99 year model and that required ATF whereas my 2003 model reqs CF11

Apr 16th, 2007, 12:22	#1
scotsgent Member Last Online: May 18th, 2009 00:15 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fort William	Which power steering fluid? 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 Last edited by scotsgent; Apr 16th, 2007 at 12:33.

Apr 16th, 2007, 12:42	#2
Georgey dee Premier Member Last Online: May 1st, 2024 06:21 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norwich View Photos By: 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!!! __________________ HAD; 440 GLT(Loved it), 850 GLT auto(Loved it), S70 2.5T(Nothing but problems!), 850R auto(Loved it!!), S60 D5 SE (Nothing but problems!) GOT; S60 D5 SE Lux Auto RAF Marham Track Day Co-Ord'

Apr 16th, 2007, 17:15	#7
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: 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. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to." Last edited by CTCNetwork; Apr 16th, 2007 at 17:23.

Feb 19th, 2012, 14:37	#9
960kg Premier Member Last Online: Dec 28th, 2022 12:25 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mercville	This is interesting and should answer a few questions! __________________ Mercedes C320CDI Sport Estate 3 litre V6 7 Gear Auto Remap 290bhp 628Nm torque @ 1600revs 45.1mpg

Apr 16th, 2007, 13:25	#4
scotsgent Member Last Online: May 18th, 2009 00:15 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fort William	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

Apr 16th, 2007, 14:15	#5
Chris_Rogers VOC Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2017 16:55 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: South Kent Coast	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.

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