Power steering fluid or ATF?

Post by **gnalan** » 17 Nov 2020, 14:10

My owner's manual says to use ATF, but doesn't specify which ATF to use. I have some ATF left over from a CVT transmission, which is green and has tiny rubber pellets in it, but I don't think I want that in my steering rack or pump. Right now it has some sort of ATF, since it's a deep red color, but I'm not sure what kind. I know mixing different types of fluids can cause a lot more problems than they fix, in certain situations. A new rack isn't cheap, and I don't want to have to replace my pump either if I can avoid it.

I've seen some conflicting posts on here that ATF is not supposed to be used, but instead to use CHF 11S power steering fluid (or is it CHF 202?). Normally I would use what's recommended in the owner's manual, but if they made a mistake I'd like to know what fluid I should actually be using.

Either way I'm going to do a full flush and fill to remove the old fluid, since I don't know what type of ATF is in it. How much fluid is needed to do a full flush and fill, and which fluid should I use?

Post by **kallekula** » 17 Nov 2020, 14:20

I've used both ATF and Volvo's own fluid. Didn't notice any difference at all between them, except the price of course.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Nov 2020, 14:49

I’ve used both in P80 and P2 steeering systems without ill effects

Post by **gnalan** » 17 Nov 2020, 14:50

Which ATF did you use?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 17 Nov 2020, 17:40

gnalan wrote: ↑17 Nov 2020, 14:50 Which ATF did you use?

*
This is fine or any other that's DEX III backwards compatible. Just flush till the old color changes to new.

I will take a few photos next time but I used a turkey baster and pulled all the fluid out of the reservoir. I then removed the hose where the fluid returns to the reservoir and attached another hose to that and into a jug. Cap the inlet of reservoir with a vacuum hose cap and just pour into the reservoir and flush. Once the fluid clears empty the reservoir reattach the hose and fill to mark continue the turning till air is out of the system.

https://www.amazon.com/HAVOLINE-2265364 ... 175&sr=8-1

*

*
Blah, Blah, Blah. I found the video with the hose attached to the reservoir

. Oh forgot, I have the same vacuum pump but didn't draw it out but rather turned the steering.
*

*

Post by **gnalan** » 17 Nov 2020, 18:06

I actually watched that first video earlier, which I thought whould make the entire flush and fill a lot easier to do plus keep things cleaner.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Nov 2020, 18:07

gnalan wrote: ↑17 Nov 2020, 14:50 Which ATF did you use?

Valvoline Dex 6 Synthetic

Post by **gnalan** » 17 Nov 2020, 19:00

How many quarts do I need to do a full flush and fill? (I prefer Castrol over Valvoline.)

Which of the two videos posted above would be the better choice to get all of the old fluid out and replaced with new fluid?

Post by **darrylrobert** » 17 Nov 2020, 20:13

i think your meant to use CHF 11s fluid, thats what i used. I cant remember what brand it was but it wasnt volvo (think volvo use castrol oils, they put it in a container that says volvo and bam the price doubles).Also fairly sure volvo stopped recommending ATF on the P2 models?...i certainly wouldnt use anything with "little green pellets" in it.

EDIT just checked its a PENRITE LDAS CHF 11s which is an Australian brand may not be available inter continental

Post by **gnalan** » 17 Nov 2020, 20:30

darrylrobert wrote: ↑17 Nov 2020, 20:13 i certainly wouldnt use anything with "little green pellets" in it.

Not little green pellets. The CVT fluid is green and has little rubber pellets suspended in it. It also has a very nasty smell to it.