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Our old 1998 Volvo V70 wagon (288,000 miles) is running again, but the power steering pump is making a lot of noise. Opened it up and the red fluid is low and foamy. Went to Autozone and they said I have to use Pentosin and only Pentosin. Bought some ($25/Liter). It is green. After doing some research it appears volvo once recommended using transmission fluid which is red. That may be what is in the power steering pump. However I am hoping it is just red Pentosin and the foaminess is caused by an air leak which is why the fluid is low and the low fluid is the only cause of all the noise. Also some web sites said Pentosin is not necessary and trans fluid is fine.
Is Pentosin necessary?
Is Pentosin ever red?
Assuming not, is there an easy way to get the red stuff out so I can replace it with Pentosin?.
Is it likely the red stuff has ruined the power steering pump?
Advice like replace the steering rack is not helpful. This is an $800 car.
Fix the leak and any seals and bearings. Then flush with ATF and refill to normal levels. Fancy oil is not required. Plain 10 wt hydraulic fluid is fine.
I'm not sure about newer Volvos but that era took regular auto transmission fluid. I want to say Dex III or above according to the manual but I'm not 100%, it's been a while since I bought fluid for my Volvo.
The Lucas transmission fluid stop leak stuff has had some pretty good reviews on Volvo forums. That is the only reason why the fluid is low (it's leaking). Depending on how you are with removing the rack you can actually rebuild them on your on for around $50 in o-ring seals.
Return the Pentosin, that is a VW item. Visit Matthews Volvo site.com for the best Volvo forum.
Owners manual at 1998 S70 & V70
says ATF for power steering.
Car parts place claim that was an error by Volvo for about five years. It is even on their computer. I guess they just want to sell fancy mineral oil for $25 a litre.
Car parts place claim that was an error by Volvo for about five years. It is even on their computer. I guess they just want to sell fancy mineral oil for $25 a litre.
The 98 70 series is the same car mechanically as the 850 minus the ETM on the intake and some exterior and interior updates. You can even put 98 tail lights on an 850, same basic body structure.
My 850 has run ATF for 21 years in the rack. Been in the family since new.
I know this is an old discussion, but for the record I've never used anything but regular ATF in any of my 4 Volvos - and have never had any issues outside of normal wear and tear (had to replace the rack on my V70, but it has well over 200k miles).
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