Pressurized Power Steering Reservoir

[kcwilliams]

Hi everyone,
My 1998 Volvo V70 is leaking badly from the central gear on the power steering rack. While I anticipate having to change the steering rack ASAP I want to rule out any secondary problems.

Without having previously paid any attention I have noticed now that the power steering reservoir is pressurized after running the car any length of time. Moreover, opening the reservoir cap and releasing the pressure seems to significantly reduce the leak at the steering rack while the car is parked.

Bottom line – does anyone know if the power steering reservoir is supposed to be pressurized or if this condition is abnormal and may indicate a secondary problem that contributed to the leaking power steering rack?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[kiss4afrog]

Your V70 uses the same pump as my 95 850. It is not a pressurized reservoir. If anything, taking the cap off should help it leak not slow it down. Similar to bleeding brakes. You have a bleeder open and it will drain faster if you take the master cylinders cap off. That steering fluid reservoir is vented but it might hold just a bit of pressure if it's vent is clogged. I can't explain why yours would act as it does.

[DGM]

I had the same problem with our S70 1998. On the steering rack the seal of the input shaft has harden and it leaked oil. Not much but enough to spill a few drops on the driveway in the summer time. Other than this it was working perfectly even after 325,000 km.

Also I had a small "pussh" opening the cap on the reservoir when the car was hot. I am not aware of any vent mechanism on the reservoir.

Not wanting to replace the steering rack for so little and so much $, I have tried the following product. I am not a big fan of additives but this one has worked for me. About 2-3 oz in the PS reservoir.

Since last spring the leak has stopped. My niece now owns the car and it doesn't leak anymore .

It may be hard to find in Canada. I brought it back from a trip south last winter.


https://www.amazon.com/ATP-AT-205-Re-Sea ... B000NVW1LM

https://www.amazon.com/ATP-Re-Seal-8-oz- ... VW1LM/ref=

http://www.atp-inc.com/products.aspx