Leak from steering rack?

Free2drive! · Post by **Free2drive!** » 23 Mar 2012, 08:06

Hello

I have been losing power steering fluid over winter. I looked down behind the drivers side wheel to find a massive amount of oil. This is red in color so I am assuming it is p/s fluid.

I pulled back the bellows on that side and this is what I found, can you tell if the fluid is leaking out of the rack or elsewhere?

Thanks
Matt 1994 855 T5 auto

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Mar 2012, 08:51

That inside area is clean, it looks the way it is supposed to. One of my 850s had just a slow leak inside the boot and it was obvious looking in there.

So the rack must be leaking somewhere else. For sure check where the lines attach to the steering gear, but it could be elsewhere e.g. the bearing cap. If you clean up the whole area (a hassle, I know), you should be able to tell pretty quickly where the new fluid comes from.

claymore850 · Post by **claymore850** » 25 Mar 2012, 17:37

It seems like your steering rack starts to leak fluid from inside, take a look on your first picture.

I rebuilt mine years ago, look this tutorial...

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... rvice.html

The seal can be buyed at Ebay or http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/pro ... ts_id=5150

or a Refurbished unit here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Volvo-850-S ... 523wt_1185

Take care with the USED ITEM CORE charge at some places..

Free2drive! · Post by **Free2drive!** » 26 Mar 2012, 03:19

Thanks for the links, I am not convinced that the rack seals are leaking but at that price it just might be easier to replace the rack.

How long would a decent mechanic take/charge for replacement?

Regards
Matt

Post by **Jack Rock** » 26 Mar 2012, 05:51

I was quoted a few weeks ago 4.6 hours. I have an AWD drive so that would put you on the high side I guess. Oh and that ebay link above for the rebuild is for an AWD as well which I believe is a little different from your car. I normally don't recommend this but I put in some stop leak as a stab in the dark and lo and behold my leak completely stopped leaking and it was a gusher!