V70 T5 1999 Massive power steering fluid leak

[sylvesterp3]

Hi,
I have been using this forum successfully but have never posted anything. This is a first and I need good advice.

My power steering started making noise recently and I realized my power steering fluid was low. I replaced it with standard power steering fluid instead of the recommended ATF. My mistake. The noise disappeared and it drove well for about a week. I take it out yesterday, go around the block and notice the steering wheel is very stiff and is starting to make noise again. i pull over and notice the leak. The fluid was dripping with the car turned off and had a steady leak with the car turned on. I refill the fluid tank and as soon as I start the car up again the fluid leaks out. I somehow get back home and park the car, power steering almost gone!
So now the questions are:

Since I used Power steering fluid instead of ATF did that eat through my seals and are they now gone?

Does the pump need to be replaced? Or can those seals be sealed?

Can I use a Valvoline or Lucas oil sealer to get this stuff sealed? If so, do I do that first or should I first flush and simply refill with ATF fluid???

I doubt that it's the rack leaking , I am pretty sure it comes form the pump. The container is dry on the bottom and so are the hoses. However the leaking comes from somewhere under the pump and some of it got on the belts and the coils... What is the danger here or possible consequences? Should I wash it off somehow?

Please help and ask questions if I'm not clear, will gladly elaborate.

Sylvester

[Ozark Lee]

Can I use a Valvoline or Lucas oil sealer to get this stuff sealed?

Maybe.

I had a bad leak on my Platinum that was fully cured with the Valvoline Max Life Transmission Stop Leak fluid. Other posters have had good luck with the Lucas product as well. In either case the fluids are cheap when compared to a new rack so it is worth a shot.

I (more or less) completely flushed the system by using a turkey baster to suck everything out of the reservoir and refilled with the fresh stop leak. I then ran it rack to rack a few times and repeated the process. It will take several iterations to get it all changed out.

Hopefully it works for you as well as it worked for me.

...Lee

[confused_al]

I replaced it with standard power steering fluid instead of the recommended ATF

As I understand Volvo changed to clear/green synthetic power steering fluid in 1999 model year and on. However, whether your car is in that time window a quick call to dealer with your VIN should clarify which fluid need be used.

[rich68cls]

I am currently experiencing the same problem. Talked to the parts guy at dealer, he advised leak is probably from the vacuum hose. $90.00 later, it was not. It looks now like it is leaking through the cap (I read a post somewhere that the cap seal wears out over time), so I have ordered a new reservoir, as the reservoir tends to crack along the horizontal midline and leak from there as well.

My part should be in tomorrow, will let you know how it goes.

Richard
1999 Volvo V70 GLT w/ 111,000 miles and still running strong !!!

[Xilikon]

If your reservoir is between the ECU box and the coolant reservoir, it require green power steering fluid (either Volvo or Pentosin CHF 11S/CHF 202). If the reservoir is on top of the power steering pump, it take ATF.

[Jim Woods]

My daughter has 1999 V70 which has just recently started leaking and making noises as you turn. I filled the (top reservoir) and it stopped but noted there was fluid leaking later. The fluid is leaking from somewhere underneath. Plan to get under it tonight. Is it likely a hose, the rack and pinion? or pump. any suggestions?

Thx Jim

[rich68cls]

My owner's manual says use ATF but will look into the other. Have replaced the reservoir and cap, return hose, one high pressure line and the steering rack and still have a leak somewhere. Any thoughts ? Anybody ?? Am thinking the power steering pump maybe ? Running out of things to replace !!