V70 2002 - power steering fluid filter?

[MotorTheresa]

Good afternoon everyone,

First time I worked on a P2 (dad joined the V70 club) and we're servicing the power steering fluid. It is super dirty, supposedly never changed. So here is my question: is there any kind of filter element in the power steering fluid reservoir that should be replaced? Or are we good with just cleaning out the reservoir before flushing the system. Vehicle is a 5cyl petrol M56 estate.

Thank You!

[ionianp2]

I believe there is one in that reservoir but the early power steering reservoirs are defective and the filter (if memory serves me well) gets dislodged and no longer does its job. . I believe they are difficult to pull apart the reservoir but it is possible. The challenge is getting them back in place.
That's at least what happened in my 04 S60. In 2005 they updated the power steering reservoir and when I retrofitted it, I haven't had a problem ever since.

[Vova585]

Most of those reservoirs are leaking at weld line and cap is also known to leak a little..I replaced mine some time ago with new oem unit. I would do 2 flushes with clear fluid to get as much of contamination as possible and then place a new reservoir with new fluid.

[cn90]

Trick:
- Remove reservoir and check the filter. Rinse with cheap engine oil and drain it.
- Reinstall reservoir but do not connect the top hose (return hose)
- Get an empty Coke bottle and drop the end of the return hose in there.
- Raise the front a bit (front subframe floor jack) so the wheels move freely.
- With engine OFF, turn the SW R and L to expel old fluid. Add new fluid to reservoir often.
- Repeat until fluid coming out of return hose looks like new fluid.
- Reconnect the hose and add fluid so it is between Min and Max.

I posted photos in forum in the past.

PS: Some YouTube videos tell you to do this with engine running. Don't do that bc the reservoir will be empty very very quickly, unless you have a very skilled helper.

Search Dexron type-III vs Pentosin and all that jazz...

[Vova585]

I disagree with "cheap engine oil" aproach. Introducing the oil which is not designed for the system is a bad practice. If you would suggest to remove, clean with rubbing alcohol, submerge into ultrasonic cleaner followed by rinse with alcohol and compressed air until dry...I would see the point. But for $50-100 it is cheaper to buy new and not to invest time into cleaning(if budget permits or you have lots of free time)

[volvolugnut]

Flushing any fluid system to replace bad fluid with good fluid is difficult. If it is a complex system all the parts must be drained or the old fluid diluted enough to declare refilled with new fluid. Think of discussions here about auto transmission fluid flushing.
Even if it is just a pipe or hose to be flushed, flow rate must be high enough to scour old fluid from the walls.
But, any flushing effort is likely better than not flushing.
volvolugnut

[Vova585]

Flushing any fluid system to replace bad fluid with good fluid is difficult. If it is a complex system all the parts must be drained or the old fluid diluted enough to declare refilled with new fluid. Think of discussions here about auto transmission fluid flushing.
Even if it is just a pipe or hose to be flushed, flow rate must be high enough to scour old fluid from the walls.
But, any flushing effort is likely better than not flushing.
volvolugnut

Well, I guess i am "negative Nancy ", but I once again disagree with "any flushing efforts...". Every job should be done correctly. I would pull 1st rule of medicine here "first, do no harm". So flushing with wrong fluid will automatically contradict that rule. If person would flush with appropriate clean fluid, designed for that system- much respect. IMHO.

[vtl]

I cut a rubber portion of the return line and added a 3/8" (10 mm) Magnefine filter in there.

It also helps installing a heat shield over steering rack to protect it from the exhaust heat. Volvo had it for earlier model years. I bought one for my 2005, but it does not fit.

[cn90]

Nothing wrong with rinsing the reservoir with cheap engine oil.
We are talking about 100-200mL, shake it a bit then let it drain for 15 min.
Most of that will be out anyway.

The method I mentioned above (turning the SW R and L) is the factory recommended procedure, for any car with hydraulic steering system.

[br0dy519]

I added a 3/8 inline filter to the return line. And as noted please upgrade to the 2005+ reservoir to avoid future issues.