Rack and pinion- prone to fail? (850)

Post by **Volvo4251** » 28 Nov 2011, 17:02

Hi all,

When I first bought my 850 wagon, the general check over came back with zero issues except for one area of note- the mechanics had noticed the area around the rack and pinion (can't specifically remember exactly what area) was "slightly damp" with power steering fluid. I was told to keep an eye out and made aware that if the dampness became worse, the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. A few weeks ago, at my last oil change (different shop), it was noted again that the area around the rack and pinion was "slightly damp"- and to not worry too much, but again to keep an eye out. I am fully aware of the astronomical cost of a new rack and pinion. It's really my only liability- if you can call it that- in a very otherwise solid car. My question is, how much is my car truly at risk? Is this normal or really an omen for a failing rack and pinion?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Nov 2011, 18:23

It is common for them to leak a little bit and not get worse. The rack on my car leaked very slowly for about 7 years, like added just a few ounces of fluid per year, and then started leaking more. At that point the engine was coming out out so I just replaced the rack.

More important than keeping an eye on the rack, is just checking the fluid level in the reservoir. It will drop suddenly if the leak gets worse. And even then, the PS rack is the only place I would consider trying magic in a can snake oil, many many people swear by the Lucas PS stop-leak product.

Post by **Volvo4251** » 28 Nov 2011, 18:34

That's good news then! I will definitely try that. Do you just add the stop-leak to the power steering reservoir?

Post by **rspi** » 28 Nov 2011, 18:39

My rack is leaking about a 1/4 cup per 500 miles. I might try that lucas stuff.

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Nov 2011, 19:00

I've never used the Lucas stuff, just heard good things about it.

Ozark Lee has used Valvoline Max Life ATF fluid, it stopped a leaky rack.

Whatever you do be sure to use ATF in the rack, not PS fluid. It is specified in the owner's manual ...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Nov 2011, 06:26

The stuff I specifically used - and it worked - was Valvoline Max Life Automatic Transmission Stop Leak.

I am running it not as an additive but at a 100% concentration in the Platinum. When I bought the car It was going through about 1 pint/week but since I used the stuff I haven't leaked a drop. I used a turkey baster to suck all of the old stuff out - ran the steering lock to lock a fews times and repeated the process. All and all 3 or 4 iterations did the trick for me.

I have never been a believer in "Miracle in a can" products but this one actually worked for me. It may or may not work for you but it is at least cheap and easy to try.

...Lee

bguzz · Post by **bguzz** » 29 Nov 2011, 06:38

i've used both Lucas stop leak and the valvoline ATF stop leak (in 2 different vehicles). Both work, but I would opt for the valvoline every time as it is ATF with stop leak where the lucas stop leak is some verrrry thick syrup. I found that in cold weather the lucas made the powersteering pump whine and the steering was sluggish for quite a while until the car was warmed up...it didn't give me a good feeling. No noticeable issues with the valvoline other than no more leaking!

patwuyo · Post by **patwuyo** » 12 Dec 2011, 13:14

I was told by my mechanic there is some rack and pinion leakage.
So when I start using the Valvoline ATF stop leak to replace the current ATF, do I tell the mechanic NOT to top off with other ATF in the future?