Power Steering Question
 

2004 2.9L non-turbo 56000miles
We have been experiencing strange noises (difficult to describe, so I won't attempt it) while making fairly tight left turns. The same noise does not happen while making right turns. At first I thought maybe a drive shaft but today my wife suggested it might be coming from the steering system. I checked the fluid and found it below the stick (did not even register on the stick). I can see fluid in the reservoir but it is very low. The reservoir is located on the left (passenger) side of the engine bay. I have two questions:

1) Might low fluid make strange sounds while making left turns?

2) After calling Volvo, they recommend 100% synthetic ATF for use as Power Steering fluid - is this correct?

I see the leak and plan to fix it soon. It is coming from a factory installed crimp-clamp at the hose to reservoir connection.
Thanks for your comments and help.
placervillebob

RE: Power Steering Question
 

Yes that will make it sound like that from the fluid being low.
This power steering fluid is the same as the Volvo stuff.
http://www.gunk.com/prod_photo.asp

RE: Power Steering Question
 

1999 S80, 2.9L non turbo

Hi Tech, I have steering noises too. My power steering fluid is low as well, doesn't register on the stick. I've heard it is bad to mix different p/s fluid. I've heard Pentosin chf202 is the right fluid. Should I fill w/the pentosin or drive all the way to the dealer and buy their stuff.

thanks

RE: Power Steering Question
 

The stuff I listed above is the same stuff Volvo uses. It is Green and all just like the Volvo fluid.

To Tech re: Gunk power steering Fluid
 

Followed your link to the Gunk site.
It appears to list item M2712SYN http://www.gunk.com/menu_PS.asp as being the correct for fluid for Volvo's. It is a bit confusing about the Volvo designation i.e. (0s/1998-on) and (3/1998-2002). But then it says at the bottom "Do not mix with ATF".
My owners manual says that the power steering fluid spec is ATF.
?????

The power steering on my 2002 s-80 is synthetic even though the manual says ATF. I changed it out and the old was green as is the new stuff. There are two versions of the pentosin (the older one was the original fill and the dealer now sells/recomends the new one). I would get it from the dealer.

Reply from Gunk rep re Power steering fluid....
 

I sent an email to the Canadian site. Following is their reply:

"You need to contact a Volvo dealer for the correct specification. If the manual says to use ATF, then our M2716C should be fine. You have quoted a number off our US website and is not accurate in Canada. You are quoting the Synthetic product (Canadian # M2712SC) however if the car does not require a synthetic product then this will not be suitable in your car.
To repeat, if the manual says ATF compatible, then use M2716C.
Again, confirm with your dealer.
Good luck,
Richard Navin"

Here is a link to the site webpage which shows the M2716C product:
http://gunk.ca/products/automotive/f...nalfluids.html

This is in reference to my 1999 S80 T6 for which the owner's manual lists ATF as being the correct power steering fluid.