4 replies to this topic

[TaskMule]

Took my friends new (to her) 2000xc70 out for a spin yesterday. She said the steering was "noisy" when the car was warmed up. After 15 mins around town, we went back to my driveway. When I took the top off the reservoir to check the steering fluid, it was very hot, and burst out and sprayed around the bay. It was brown, didn't smell right and was pretty cavitated as well. I drained some of it out, and put in a bottle of Lucas steering seal, which has worked well for my 97 850. Within 5 mins of driving, the steering was silent, smooth, and just fine. She had our Volvo specific mechanic look the rack over today, and there were no leaks visible. He topped the fluid and sent her on her way. But, I'm still concerned about the color of the fluid, and why was it brown in the first place? Thoughts?

[Ihatespeedbumps]

Probably the original fluid...

[Crito]

That Pentosin stuff is dark green to begin with.

[Crito]

And it's my understanding that's what Volvo uses to fill them up when new. So mixing in red PS fluid would probably give you a nasty shade of brown.

[TaskMule]

Crito, on 03 November 2009 - 02:11 PM, said:

And it's my understanding that's what Volvo uses to fill them up when new. So mixing in red PS fluid would probably give you a nasty shade of brown.

Excellent suggestion. I believe you nailed it. Thanks.