11S is full synthetic, and does seem to be a little less viscous than 202

Stolen from saab central:

Description - CHF11S:
Pentosin CHF 11S is a synthetic high-performance hydraulic fluid for lifetime application in modern vehicle aggregates. Pentosin CHF 11S is specially designed for hydraulics in the automotive industry with the highest technical requirements such as in: power steering, level control, shock absorber, hydro-pneumatic suspension, stability and traction control, hydraulics for convertible tops, central lock systems, etc. It is suitable for all extreme conditions and guarantees full performance from -40°C to over 130°C system temperature.

CHF 11S PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES:
Appearance Dark Green
Density at 20°C 825 kg/m
Kinematic Viscosity at 100ºC 6.0 mm/s
Kinematic Viscosity at 40ºC 18.7 mm/s
Kinematic Viscosity at -40ºC 1100 mm/s
Viscosity Index 313
Pour Point -57°C/-70.6°F
Flash Point 160°C/320°F
Ignition Temperature 235°C/455°F

Description - CHF 202
Pentosin CHF 202 is a synthetic high-performance hydraulic fluid for lifetime application in modern vehicle aggregates. Pentosin CHF 202 is specially designed for hydraulics in the automotive industry with the highest technical requirements such as: power steering, clutch hydraulic, electro-hydraulic mechanisms of convertible tops, etc. It is suitable for all extreme ambient temperatures and guarantees full performance from -40°C to 130°C system temperature.

CHF 202 PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES
Appearance Dark Green
Density at 15°C 840 kg/m³
Kinematic Viscosity at 100ºC 6.1 mm²/s
Kinematic Viscosity at 40ºC 19.3 mm²/s
Kinematic Viscosity at -40ºC 1400 mm²/s
Viscosity Index 302
Pour Point -54°C/-65.2°F
Flash Point 154°C/309.2°F
Ignition Temperature 245°C/473°F

 

Saw those numbers too on Pentosin's site regarding cold viscosity being lower. I was expecting some more weight in the steering, but on my car, after the swap in fluid, it almost feels like on subzero weather the power steering is almost gone. Pump turns fine, fluid levels are good, no squeal or anything. It becomes much more similar to the 11S once all is warmed up, but wow, I'm surprised if this is all normal that Volvo considers it the "1:1" replacement for the older CHF 11S in their cars.

Did you experience a similar change in feel too?

Or maybe it is my steering rack's way of telling me it plans to die soon?

 

Actually, the CHF202 is indeed a bit thicker on cold days. But my real problem was the lower shaft u-joint. It was rusted quite a bit. Now all if good - but stiffer a bit!