99 T5 - Leak the night before road trip!

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Dec 2013, 20:59

About to drive ~8hrs tomorrow. I just checked the car after it sat for ~1wk and noticed a puddle on the ground. Photos of wetness are attached. The puddle is oily and slightly red, and does not smell strongly. The picture with two napkins shows on the left a few drops of PS fluid from the reservoir, and on the right a swipe from the ground.

The PS dipstick shows it's low, though there's fluid in the reservoir and no lights came on while I was driving. I tightened the hose clamp to the top of the reservoir, which seemed to be a little loose. The bottom is one of those infernal Oetiker clamps. The whole reservoir is slightly wet so if it's PS fluid I don't think it's the bottom hose.

My fear is that this could be trans fluid; I have noticed shifting being a little tougher lately, but I had thought the clutch just needed a bleeding. I am going to take the wheel off right now to get a better look, but I just wanted to ask if anyone has any opinions while I do that. Has anyone got advice on checking the transmission fluid level? There's no dipstick, but can I peek in? The fluid doesn't smell strongly; trans fluid does, right?

If it's PS fluid, can I drive to a parts store to refill it? What happens if the fluid runs dry?

Sorry for all the questions; I'm just trying to figure out if I can go tomorrow or if I have to tell my travelbuddies to hold on a day or two.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Dec 2013, 21:04

Trans dipstick is yellow and hidden under the lower radiator hose in front of the trans.

Take pics of the entire engine/trans from the bottom so we can see how far the leak goes.

power steering and trans are on different sides of the car so unless the leak goes across the entire car its prob the standard power steering leak at the reservior.

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Dec 2013, 21:23

Hi JD,

Thanks for the help. I couldn't find the dipstick, where you said and where the owner's manual shows it. My car is a 5spd car; I was under the impression that they do not have dipsticks.

A picture of the underside is attached. I think it's all on the right side. Certainly the puddle I'm worried about is only on the right side under the car.

If it's a PS leak, can I just top it off? It's apparently not a huge leak, though that may change under pressure. I feel like I've seen the reservoir being sticky before, but I've never seen a puddle under the car.

EDIT: The right side of the transmission is totally dry. So it's almost certainly not trans fluid.

Big sigh of relief, though a failed steering rack isn't my idea of a good time either.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Dec 2013, 21:46

Go to the black pan in front of the trans between the rad and the pan. follow the lower rad hose from
the rad to the engine and you will touch the trans dipstick. All 5 spds (auto)have dipsticks.

I se fluid on the oil cooler on the back of the engine oil pan. Clean this with carb cleaner, dry the area and start motor to see if it leaks. dirt on cam belt side of oil pan suggests long term power steering leak but oil cooler must be ruled out.

Start cleaning up the entire area so you can start car and distinguish source of leak. carb cleaner, paper towels etc are your friend here.

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:19

nothing stronger than dish soap in this house, i'm afraid. I did my best to clean it up but I can't start it now as I will wake up my housemates .. and the whole neighborhood actually

That said the stuff on the pan is old and saturated with dirt. The leak on the subframe is wet. I also see a wet trickle down the tbelt cover from the PS reservoir so I am feeling confident that it's that. Nonetheless I'll take your advice tomorrow morning before heading out - let it idle a bit, warm up, and check for wet spots or leaks.

I still cannot for the life of me find the dipstick. Is it on the top of the transmission? Near the starter? I found this post suggesting that there is no dipstick in 5spd cars... http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... ick-58180/

thanks again for the help btw.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:25

Are you saying you have a manual transmission or an automatic.

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:28

Manual.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:30

no dipstick for manual. make sure to say 5spd manual in the future as most of these cars are 5 speed auto's

Some scrubbing with dish detergent "Dawn" and water tonight would leave a nice clean dry car in the morning

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:34

ok

I'll definitely look for oil, but based on the color and location of the puddle I'd guess it's PS fluid

How catastrophic is running without it for a while? Is there a warning light that will come on if it dumps or when it's getting low? My old Toyota lights up the P/S light when it's first started; does the Volvo have an equivalent?

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Dec 2013, 22:40

no light. If it runs too low the pump could seize and throw the serp belt so you will lose steering, alternator and ac.

Usually a clean up and properly tightened clamp takes care of it or you will need a res and upper hose.