98 V70, T5 Power Steering Leak: Wrong ATF?

[theWIFES_S70]

Hey everyone, my brother picked up a T5... (Only here on MVS do we ever read lines like that... ) Didn't really get a chance to take pictures since I just saw it a few hours ago. But from what I can see, there seems to be a power steering leak somewhere (in addition to a few oil leaks, here and there). The fluid in the reservoir is green, so I'm assuming the last mechanic went the P2 (i.e, CHS11s) power steering fluid route...

A few questions:

- When installing an aftermarket pump (and rack?) is green PS fluid ever the correct fluid? If so, how do I find out if this is the correct fluid?

- What sorts of problems (steering and leak-wise) are caused by running the wrong PS fluid?

- Is the flush procedure just to drain and fill until the fluid runs red?

Many thanks everyone!

[RickHaleParker]

Don't go by color on any fluid. Fluid colors are not standardized.
For the Power Steering use Dexron IIE/ III or Mercon ATF.

Engine oil
Quality: Meeting API specification SG or SH
Capacity (incl. filter) : 6.1 US qts. (5.8 liters)*
* Turbo-charged models: Add 0.95 qts. (0.9 liters) if the oil cooler has been drained

Automatic transmission fluid
Quality: ATF Dexron IIE/ III and Mercon
Capacity: 8 US qts. (7.6 liters)

Manual transmission fluid
Quality: Volvo synthetic gearbox oil 1161423
Capacity: 2.2 US qts (2.1 liters)

Power steering fluid
Quality: ATF
Capacity: 0.85 US qts. (0.8 liters)

Brake fluid
Quality: DOT 4+
Capacity: 0.64 US qts. (0.6 liters)

Source: 1998 S70 & V70 owners manual.

[abscate]

Ps pumps are pretty forgiving, I’m guessing canola oil will work in them. I’ve used ATF, generic PS , and Pentosin in my 99 at various times

With a trusted assistant you can flush by pulling off the return hose and pouring in new fluid catching Old in a milk jug, turn key off when the color changes.

At idle, takes about 15 seconds

[theWIFES_S70]

Thanks for the replies. I haven't gotten to pinpointing the leaks yet. (And there are many to pinpoint!) But noticed that there was a lot of weepage around the PS reservoir and lines and when I opened the reservoir, it had some green fluid. DEX III is never green, is it?

It's also has an aftermarket pump and reservoir and a very "Sunsong"-looking power steering line...

Oh boy!!

[erikv11]

You are correct about the colors, of course you can't be sure but (1) it's not Dex III and (2) it's likely an 11S fluid. In fact the odds ar very high it is Prestone PS fluid for European vehicles, which s green.

I would flush it out with cheap Dex III, fix the leak(s), then replace as much as possible with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. It's cheap (because you need so little) and works really well.

[theWIFES_S70]

In fact the odds ar very high it is Prestone PS fluid for European vehicles, which s green.

Of course... a mechanic who would put in a Sunsong line would probably just pull off that Prestone Euro version of his (her!) shelf!

Haven't read anyone using that on here...

Thanks for the advice. Will definitely go that route.

[amblerman]

When I got my s70, I had weeping PS lines. The reservoir was wet as well.

I decided to change the PS fluid and I cleaned the reservoir, cleaned the outside of the PS lines with soap/water (not getting any in the lines) and put it all back together. Only to have it start weeping/leaking again. I got a new reservoir and a new line to PS pump and it's all been good since. I have no idea why it was leaking but I was tired of the mess.

Oh and I went with the maxlife ATF for my 1999 s70. it seems fine.

-A

[sleddriver]

99 cars call for a different type of fluid as the pump/PS changed from 98. AT205 works great for leaky racks. BTDT. Over time the PS reservoir will 'weep'. You'll think you have a leak. And you do, sort of.

I use Valvoline Max-life synthetic ATC (red). Also use it in the auto-trans.

[abscate]

My 99 manual said PS fluid. I used FLAPS stuff, then changed to Pentosin when I got it on sale