I have the aforementioned car that had no power steering fluid in it when I bought it.

What fluid do I need?

I have cleaned up around the steering rack and examined all of the hoses, etc.

The rack boots do not show any wetness and feel empty when I squeeze them.

the hard lines on the rack are rusted and one of them is looks wet.

I want to put some fluid in it to possibly make the leak show up.

I had a hard line leak on our 90 744 TI and I know that it can puke out all the fluid in a few seconds.

I have some GUNK power steering fluid that is old but clean.

The plastic container reads - meets service requirements of GM, Ford, Chrysler, and AMC (Yes, I remember AMC - I even had a Gremlin!) It also says that it is non-corrosive, has detergent and anti-foaming agents. It is not a leak-stop product.

Should I put a few ounces of this fluid in? I plan on repairing the leak and using proper fluid after the repair

I asked this question in a weak moment and really got some great advice.

I followed my own advice and did some research - I found a PDF of a 92 240 owner's manual in about one minute on the web.

ATF type F is correct, but I should have used some of the stuff I had as it leaked out in about 2 minutes (I only put about 3 ounces in and it dripped out of a rusted hard pipe before I even started the car!

At least, If I can get new pipes, the repair is relatively easy - I have done the same to our '90 744 TI.

volvo says the correct fluid is type f atf. having been doing this for a number years, i will use dexron atf. it is a gm ps pump. i guess type f was chosen as it was also used in the bw55 auto that were installed and the m46 manuals. maybe to have 1 fluid in the dealership instead of 2.

ps fluid-i have no experience nor opinion. always used atf. good luck, chuck.

Volvo specifies Type F for my '92 740 and that's what I started using, but currently use Dexron because it's just more common, cheaper and used in the transmission and our other vehicles. A lot of people use it and I've not noticed any ill effects. I did come across something on Turbobricks why Type F is used, but can't remember exactly why. If you're curious, you can go there and search.
--
1992 745, >500k km

Hi James,


Currently, I am using the Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for the transmission & power steering pump. I can't see much benefit of using the Mobil 1 fluid on the power steering pump. However, I know that the Mobile 1 fluid brought back my dying transmission. I used a turkey baster method for fluid replacement.

https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/synthetic-atf

Having owned a 90 240, type F is the correct fluid. However, I would not shy away from using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. It might stop your leak. I used that in my 1995 850 and it stopped a rack seal leak. Doubt type F could do that.

I dunno whether it is "right" or not, but I would. And have. Meaning I've put old bottles of clear power steering fluid to use instead of using the red ATF I believe is recommended. Just another anecdote though -- nothing scientific.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down.

I would try the Gunk with the cheapest type "F" fluid you can find. Drive it till you find the leak, then flush the system and replace it with a quality type "F" or quality synthetic after doing any necessary repairs.

However, if one of your hard lines is leaking, that is a different story...:)

Also, check the non-pressurized hose under the PS reservoir. As I recall, my 90 240 was weeping there when I sold it. I've seen other Volvo's leak there too.

The Haynes 240 service manual, the final 1997 imprint, says Dexron III.

So, oh so stupidly, I replaced the old power steering fluid, and in a short period, some months, well under a year, the Dexron was filling the inner tie rod steering rack bellows.

See your owner manual, as my 1990, 1991, and 1992 240 indicates "Type F".

So, the 1990 li'l red 240 DL wagon is a manual steering rack. Yet MO-state safety inspection says no to accessories like the power steering pump without a belt. So, I had to remove the power steering pump as rack replacement ain't feasible right now, and I looped the power steering hoses, connected to the rack, together, and sealed them. "No drips" says the MO-state auto safety inspection requirements if converting power steering to manual steering.

I used the Amsoil "Type F" fluid. The SuperShift in the mighty 1991 240 when I replaced the fluid years before the 1990 240 DL li'l red wagon disaster. (My disaster.) Steering works fine. Though I worry about the day the high pressure hose fails as it is original. So, I again forgot the correct fluid.

I'm unsure the universal fluid, though Art says he gets on fine with the clear (universal?) power steering fluid.

Use what the oner manual indicates for the model year for the power steering fluid.

Also, if you do have fluid leaks, check the inner and outer tie rods, and the inner tie rod bellows, and the plastic tie straps. These wear in tandem and may want replacement simultaneously.

Hope that helps.

Happy Eggnog and Pumpkin Pie Holidays!!!!!

Eggnog and Pumpkin Pie Boyeeeeee MacDuff. (With Dairy Afflictions.)
--
The Irish Brigade: Now at John D. McGurk's through November 2015: For all your Traditional Irish Music Needs!!!!! (Good Reuben Sandwich and Guinness too!!!!)
--
http://www.theirishbrigadeband.com/
--
http://www.mcgurks.com/ - St. James Gate Brewery Crystal Canes Award Winner!!
--
Jonathan Harshman Winters III: The Mightiest, Greatest, & Most Powerful Comedian, Presenter, Comedic Actor, Artist, & Author of North America in Perpetuity