98 XC Power steering fluid preferences

[FireFox31]

Choice of power steering fluid for a 2000 seems tricky. The manual says "use ATF", but 1998-1999 use Dexron III ATF while 2000 uses JWS 3309 ATF. Which is safe for a 2000? This is right back to the OP's question.

Can Pentosin CHF202 be used in any P80 power steering system? FCP lists CHF202 as compatible with my 2000 V70. Also, they say CHF11S is compatible with CHF202. So could CHF11S be used in the P80 power steering system?

I have two bottles of CHF11S from my Benz which I'd like to use up. They're both opened and 3-5 years old. Are they ruined from having been open, though stored indoors?

Regardless of what I use, I plan to drain and replace all the fluid in the system on this new-to-me V70 with 200k miles. Thanks.

[abscate]

I dont know about the compatibility but hydraulic fluid won’t go bad in 3-5 years, from experience.

[FireFox31]

My conclusion for 2000 V70 power steering fluid:
The manual says to use ATF in the power steering. The manual says the ATF for the 2000 is part 1161540. The back of that bottle says it works with the AW55-50 5-speed which needs JWS 3309 and the AW50-42 which needs Dexron III. Thus, the rack could require the 1998-1999 Dexron III or the 2000 JWS 3309 and ATF 1161540 is compatible with either.

Yes, I'm overthinking it. Since I've already replaced a power steering rack due to leaks, I want to give thus rack the best chance of surviving.

[abscate]

I’ve run atf, Pentosin, and generic PS fluid in my 1999. I got my first rack leak recently at 260k miles

[erikv11]

All P80 cars use the same rack. It's got the same gears, the seals are made of the same material. The 2000 rack is not exceptional, it's just a P80 rack. The PS pump differs after 98 but I'm going to speculate the pump is not hypersensitive to fluid - take care of the rack.

A key will be to pick one fluid and stick with it, don't mix them.

My 98 is approaching 300k and the original rack is in there, still no leaks. I have no idea what was used for the first 200k (possibly was never changed!) but when I got the car I did a complete PS flush and since then it's had Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. I chose M1 for its longevity and because people posted about it curing slow leaks in racks.