1998 V70r P/S Fluid Low - used wrong fluid to top off

[chexny]

I have a 1998 V70r. When turning the wheel the car would have a groaning/moaning noise coming from just under where the P/S fluid tank is located (passenger side near front of the car). Also when the car was cold it was hard to turn after startup and once literally felt like old-school without power steering at all.

I checked the reservoir and it was pretty low. I checked the manual which said ATF. I am no mechanic but thought there was no way it could be Automatic Transmission Fluid, so I went to Wal-mart assuming I would figure it out. I didn't see anything with ATF and steering jump out at me so I just bought el cheap Wal-mart generic power steering fluid. I topped off with less than 1/2 of a quart. Good news is the noise was gone immediately and it turns great. Then I started digging around the web and realized I screwed up and the car takes ATF (like it said - ).

How bad of a screw up...ie. does that little amount (maybe 6oz) matter? Do I have to do a complete drain/refill? If so should I just pump out from the reservoir what I can, refill with ATF. Drive/Rinse/Repeat 2-3 times to change out a majority of it? I have maybe driven 20-30 miles in the meantime but I need to take a couple of longer trips this weekend (200-300 miles total) so was hoping to figure this out sooner than later.

Cliffs - Topped off with P/S instead of ATF - what next?

[osman]

Most volvos on the used market have had power steering fluid put in them instead of ATF as well as coolant that is not silicate-free used in them instead of HOAT coolant. I wouldnt worry much. Otherwise buy a turkey baster and remove whats in the reservoir.

[Klausc]

You didn't hurt anything. Both fluids are for hydraulics and will do the job nicely.

[chexny]

Thanks. The car has been in the family. My mother-in-law was a bit fanatical with her Volvos and had the car for the first 120k miles and was always dealer serviced, including oil changes. In my time with it - last 6y/40k miles - I doubt anyone touched it but I cannot be sure what the quick lube places ever did.

The fluid was reddish prior to me adding any. Are there any signs I can look for to see if there is a problem or potential problem?

[osman]

If the viscosity is thinner it could pass some of your seals leading to red spot on driveway but I concur with Klaus. Both hydraulic fluids with varying additives and probably close viscosity, considering dilution formula, your OK.

[chexny]

Thanks guys - I really appreciate the responses.

[rmmagow]

Don't go to quick lube places, better off with a small garage that does oil changes. Buy a case of engine filters and a handful of crush washers and bring them with you. Most places don't care, mine lets me bring the oil too.

[osman]

Don't go to quick lube places

Dont ever, ever, take your car to a quickie oil change, all the national chains are dangerous, they hire people with no experience and a high turnover rate, and these non-mechanics have to change the oil on whatever comes through the door. The mistakes are many, most leaving to you driving down the street thinking you have fresh oil and your engine seizes. In fact people should always try to use a mechanic they know and trust, your life is essentially in their hands.

[chexny]

Point heard. I generally I go to either to the local Firestone affiliate and last time Goodyear guy. Both run full-service garages. I just said "quick lube".

But I have a local guy as well, will go that way going forward. Ironically for my wifes toyota I go to the dealer because they are by far the cheapest option but only for Toyotas.

[MoVolvos]

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I wouldnt worry much. Otherwise buy a turkey baster and remove whats in the reservoir.

There is so little fluid (compare to other areas) that it would not hurt to get a Baster and change it out. You can do it twice so you have cleaner fluid or do a flush

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... php?t=8644

Blessings,

BKM
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