Changing & choosing the right PAS fluid for an 850...

**kmb** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 12:32

Afternoon all,

As part of my ongoing 'change all the fluids schedule' for my 850 T5, I'd like to remove and replace the PAS fluid.

I've trawled through a number of archive threads and started to confuse myself with exactly what I need to order to change/refresh my PAS fluid... saw quite a lot of mention about using ATF 3, but then other threads saying specialist fluid is needed?

I am working away in France so can't check my manual, but will be back in 2 weeks time and am hoping to order the required fluid to ensure a change can be done on my return, I know I have to use a syringe and remove as much as possible of the old from the reservoir, then top up and repeat, whilst turning lock to lock - Just need the correct fluid (unless I've missed something)...

Thanks in advance.

**Dangerous Dave** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 12:49

Older racks use ATF fluid, apparently dx2 or dx3 stuff will be ok (I had the same issue, which to use) I used some dexron 3 stuff in my 850 recently, got the Triple QX stuff from eurocarparts cheap.

Using ATF in later racks (something like '99 onwards) can damage the seals from what I read.

**kmb** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 12:56

Thanks Dave, mine's a 96 so I'll also go with Dextron 3 ATF, any idea on the volume for a flush and replace?

**Dangerous Dave** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 13:07

The system should hold 0.75 litres. It can be a nightmare to flush, took me ages to get all the fluid out and that was with the rack off in the shed.

Its a pity you're not closer, I've got a few litres of the stuff left as the Blue AWD was using 1 litre every week until I replaced all the seals on it.

**kmb** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 16:25

Had a quick check around and went for £5 per L of Triple QX Dextron III, via Ebay at Carparts4less, including free delivery:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triple-QX-...4AAOxyGqZSWFLt

**kmb** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 16:56

Got carried away and also spent £7 on a 500ml oil suction gun and tube... Sundays are expensive with Ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4010754046...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

**Dangerous Dave** · Sunday 28th February 2016, 17:06

LOL, good luck with it mate

**Mart5in** · Monday 29th February 2016, 17:54

I emptied my reservoir using hose and gravity. went for a drive first, still took 10 mins to drain it hahah!

I just used Dex 2 in mine and it's fine.

**kmb** · Wednesday 23rd March 2016, 12:18

Forgot to update this thread - completed the PAS fluid drain and replacement, along with the 20 lock to lock with hold steering turns - I did this on my drive moving forward a little each time to save tyre and steering component wear/stress.

Fluid that came out was very dark and nearly at the minimum mark, but still extracted 600ml or so, when down to approximately the last 100ml I added some fresh fluid to help flush, and then removed. It was then a case of adding 750ml new fluid and performing the bleeding process.

Only had a couple of days with the car (before returning France side) but the slight PAS pump noise on cold start-up seems to have gone, although this may have been due to the lowish old level rather than new fluid. Either way, another fluid successfully replaced and a little bit more care for the service history.