Haldex fluid in a CVT

[BrianOlsen]

My wife's car is an 05 Ford Freestyle AWD with 170 k. While servicing the CVT we accidentally replaced the fluid that was drained out with Haldex fluid. She drove the car for a week until I realized the mistake. She has stopped driving the car. We plan to drain and fill, then repeat a few times to try and get out as much of the Haldex fluid as possible. I'd like to ask, is there any chance that the Haldex fluid and the CVT fluid are compatible? Is there a chance that we've done irreversible damage to the CVT?

Thanks, Brian

 

[cronk]

I'd flush that out before I drive it another mile!
CVT is a very specialized fluid and the wrong friction characteristics could cause major damage. If its still driving ok, maybe you caught it in time and can get it flushed with correct fluid before major damage is done.

 

[Michael_P]

Weren't the 500 / Freestyle / Montego CVT's Haldex?

 

[901Memphis]

CVTs have a very specific need for friction because of the belt, I'm guessing it's not compatible unless it's a type of cvt fluid and you will want to do a few drain and fills with the right fluid.

 

[71Chevyguy]

As someone who had one of those cvt's that got the fluid replaced with Dexron/Mercon by a Ford dealer I can tell you how to know it is going downhill. It will end up making a rumbling noise similar to a bad wheel bearing roaring. It will only do it in Neutral and Park but not in gear at idle. I would get that fluid out of there ASAP but those are so sensitive that the damage may already be done. If you lucked out then you will at least know what to look for in case it is slowly failing.

 

[BrianOlsen]

Thanks, for the replies. The Haldex coupler is in the differential not the CVT that is where I got confused. Plan is to remove as much as possible. Brian

 

[Whitewolf]

Originally Posted By: BrianOlsen
Thanks, for the replies. The Haldex coupler is in the differential not the CVT that is where I got confused. Plan is to remove as much as possible. Brian


You should do a triple flush at least. The Haldex fluid is totally different chemistry to CVT fluid.

 

[Kira]

Hello, Apologies if this question constitutes thread hijacking. It's more a branch-off question, I think.

The bevel gear (transfer case) in Volvo's AWD system is made by Haldex and requires Haldex fluid. It seems hard to find other than in Volvo branded bottles.

Is this the fluid you mistakenly installed? Kira

 

[bdcardinal]

It is the same system. The Volvo fluid is pretty easy to get. If anyone wants some, I have 1 or 2 of the old style bottles you apply with a caulking gun.

OP, this is one of those cases where you will want to change the filters in the gearbox as well.

 

[BrianOlsen]

Yes it was Volvo brand Haldex fluid. I Purchased the Volvo fluid and filter, because We were having trouble with our AWD. I was confused and ask our mechanic to service the CVT , not the diferential .