Steering: Service and Repair

Fluid Replacement Procedures

NOTE:
- If stiff steering is encountered especially in low temperatures, colder than -20° C (-4 °F), change the hydraulic fluid in the steering gear for a synthetic ATF-oil, Volvo P/N 1161317-1 or equivalent.
- Synthetic oil can be mixed with normal ATF but the cold weather properties are greatly reduced.
- When changing to synthetic oil the system should be completely emptied of oil.
- Synthetic ATF-oil can be used all year round.




1. Slacken off pressure and return pipe.
- Loosen pipescrews in the steering gear a few turns.
- Leave the screws in place.
2. Raise the car so that front wheels hang free.
- Place a container under the steering gear.
- Turn the steering wheel lock to lock until the steering gear is empty.

CAUTION: The engine must not be running.

3. Drain the fluid reservoir of oil




4. Tighten hoses
- Use new aluminum washers.
- Tighten pressure pipe to 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the return pipe to 50 Nm (36.9 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: The return pipe has the larger fitting of the two.

5. Reinstall splash guard under engine
6. Top up the power steering system with oil
- Lower the car.
- Fill with hydraulic fluid of Transmission oil grade:
ATF oil type F. G.
Dexron II D, E. III
Ford Mercon
Volvo synthetic ATF oil, P/N 1161317-1.
- Total capacity is approximately 0.8 liter (0.85 US qt.).




7. Bleed the power steering system:
- Check oil level during bleeding
- Turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
Top up fluid if required.
- Set the parking brake.
- Attach exhaust gases extraction unit to exhaust pipe.
- Start engine.
- Turn steering wheel slowly to the right, hold on full lock for 10 seconds.
- Turn steering wheel slowly to the left, hold on full lock for 10 seconds.
- Repeat steps above 20 times.
Move car after the operation has been carried out 10 times to avoid damage to the tires.
Fill the reservoir with fluid if required.
Check that there is no leakage most importantly from the terminals.