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

[jimmy57]

Power steering needs a hydraulic oil. When special oils are specified it is usually for a special oil that has a greater resistance to cavitate (causes foaming) and a better tolerance of higher temps.
Volvo started using Pentosin CHF-11s along with several others due to temp tolerance and noise. They didn't use it in 98 70 series that I can recall.
960s were creating problems when the oil got too hot and the fluid foamed and make pump noisy and the cooler loop would clang from the hydraulic hammer of compressable foamed fluid.
DO not change the fluid from worry in that car. If you want to do some good a flush might have some positive effect on seals and steering rack. First the source of leak causing you to need to add fluid should be addressed.

[chexny]

I took the car to a trusted independent Volvo garage (he only services volvo cars). The mechanic is saying the rack is leaking badly - though I am not seeing a lot of fluid missing from the reservoir. He is quoting $425 for the part and $330 for labor (I think he is around $100/hr). He was saying a lot of the cheaper racks he doesnt trust/recommend and this is from a source he trusts. I trust the guy but $425 for a rebuilt part seems crazy. Are these things really that much?

[shiloh51933]

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?

I filled the steering system with PWS fluid that Volvo makes for my year Volvo('96 850 GLT)...it comes in a gray silver bottle
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/GENUINE-VOLVO-PO ... yNFg3NjQ=/$(KGrHqR,!k4E6FC+9WqTBOm!bo6mqQ~~60_58.JPG

[erikv11]

I took the car to a trusted independent Volvo garage (he only services volvo cars). The mechanic is saying the rack is leaking badly - though I am not seeing a lot of fluid missing from the reservoir. He is quoting $425 for the part and $330 for labor (I think he is around $100/hr). He was saying a lot of the cheaper racks he doesnt trust/recommend and this is from a source he trusts. I trust the guy but $425 for a rebuilt part seems crazy. Are these things really that much?

I know your post is a month old but no one ever replied to this so ...

425 for a rebuilt rack is high, even for a quality one, but that is because he is making some money on the part. He has to, to run his business. Search at Jorgen automotive for a price on a quality, rebuilt rack.

I just looked at a 98 V70 where the rack was replaced at a shop 4 years ago, then after 2 years it was replaced due to failure. It doesn't seem to be bad now but I don't trust it, I suspect the shop was buying the cheapest rack they could get, unfortunately.

[grtfuldad]

Chexny....my rack wouldn't hold fluid for more then a day....took it to my mechanic and for a rebuilt rack by a long time builder in the area is $675 for the rebuild plus installation which i thought was a decent price

[j-dawg]

before you go nuts on that, try some of the "thickeners" that you can add to your P/S fluid. these will keep fluid inside the seals and get you some extra time (months to years) on your current rack. drop it in and keep an eye on the level - the worst that happens is you're right back where you are now, needing a new rack.

normally i'm leery of quick fix fluids, but i've heard good things about the steering fluid conditioners, especially when the alternative is $600+ in replalcements. P/S is generally not a very demanding system as long as you don't let it run dry.