Interesting Servicing Find - power steering fluid change

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Father Ted

Good idea to do this, I'll add it to my list for when the weather warms ;-)
I might be being thick, but I'm not clear on your process above.
What do you mean that you measured to 1/2" above take off point?
I note another post saying the reservoir was never dry.
Would it be an issue to empty the reservoir? I presume this is done with engine off?

Thanks

So on the reservoir in the engine bay there is a hose at the bottom to circulate the fluid. Just the normal hose.

So I made sure I didn’t take the level below this and introduce air into the system.

In honesty I don’t think it would ever be an issue as I believe they self bleed but I didn’t know?

The other way to do it is simply to remove fluid to minimum mark then refil to upper mark and repeat.

[Father Ted]

Ah! Makes sense.
They are supposed to be self bleeding, so I hadn't considered keeping air out.

I have fluid (long story), so this will definitely be on my service list this year.

[Alexmeangreenie]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 45000 mile XC90-2012 EXEC.
Now being ocd I have to admit to going a little over the top with fluid changes, having researched everywhere first I found Volvo Swede on You tube to be brilliant.

I believe if your going to change a fluid then change it all and flush it while your there.
Power Steering.
I drained removed reservoir and cleaned it out, drained supply pipe to pump, put return pipe to res into a 5L empty container, refitted res and filled to max, key in position 2 (engine off) and turned steering full lock both ways, 2-3 times almost empties res, did this 3 times(used 3 full res) watch the dirty fluid come out of return pipe and then turn green, then with the 4th and 5th fill I started the car, 2-3 sec at most with engine running will empty a very full res! Gives the system a great flush.

Used 2.5L of genuine Volvo fluid - it was cheaper then some Halfords stuff!

Alex

[poddy1]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

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.

I used Comma MVCHF - also had the luxury of having the car on a ramp and also the use of a pump to drain the fluid. Car has ~155k miles and the fluid was not totally rotten but well in line to be changed. Replaced all the fluid, turned the steering wheel, lock to lock about 5 times. Re-pumped the fluid out and replaced. More wheel turning and topped off to dipstick level.

Note that the reservoir cap dipstick has hot and cold levels.

Should be done every year, its such a cheap and easy maintenance item.