Power Steering - Required?

frankelf · Post by **frankelf** » 16 Sep 2012, 12:47

2000 V70 AWD. Dumb question, I suspect. No money. Can the car be steered and driven without the power steering?

History: The power steering leak in my 2000 V70 AWD was diagnosed by Midas as caused by the rack. We tried Lucas Stop Leak for a few days, frequently refilling, and it didn't work. From reading here, the cost to repair seems at least $2000, more like $3000!. We just got this used car 2 months ago (no warranty) and already have had to replace the alternator - $650.

Post by **JDS60R** » 16 Sep 2012, 12:59

The car will steer but it will be extremely hard to turn. In the case of an emergency you will not be able to evade danger timely and will likely suffer.

You also need a new repair shop or some DIY as a quality rebuilt alternator is about $200 and the labor is about 1.5 hours.
$650 would have covered the cost of an alternator and most of removing the power steering rack.

Look up your parts cost on www.FCPeuro.com or any of our other sponsors above before authorizing future repairs. We also have a "help" section here where local enthusiasts will help you repair your own Volvo.

frankelf · Post by **frankelf** » 16 Sep 2012, 13:15

Thanks, JDS60R, That's exactly what I needed to know. I thought the alternator price was high, but believed it was a "Volvo thing" - high price to repair for a foreign car! All your other advice was great and I will follow it. This is a terrific forum!
Frank

Post by **rspi** » 16 Sep 2012, 14:13

My rack is leaking about 6 oz every 150 miles. I'm about to try the Lucas stop leak stuff. Should I try something else? I'm not sure where the leak it.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 16 Sep 2012, 16:01

Do some research (ask other older Volvo owners you come across in parking lots, etc.) who does their work. You need to find a trusty non-dealer (independent), and CERTAINLY not Midas, Firestone, etc. or any other chain. They are OK for mufflers and tires, (but I'd still go to the indy for the muffler). Many owners of older Volvos do their own service and repair (this forum gets a GOLD STAR!). I actually advise prospective owners against buying a Volvo if they are not up to , or care to do, their own work. So very often labor is the bigger chunk of a repair bill. there are few repairs (such as replacing your alternator, or replacing the steering rack) that this forum doesn't guide you through, armed with the experiences of many others who have been through exactly what you are faced with.

frankelf · Post by **frankelf** » 16 Sep 2012, 18:19

byeboy wrote:Do some research (ask other older Volvo owners you come across in parking lots, etc.) who does their work. You need to find a trusty non-dealer (independent), and CERTAINLY not Midas, Firestone, etc. or any other chain. They are OK for mufflers and tires, (but I'd still go to the indy for the muffler). Many owners of older Volvos do their own service and repair (this forum gets a GOLD STAR!). I actually advise prospective owners against buying a Volvo if they are not up to , or care to do, their own work. So very often labor is the bigger chunk of a repair bill. there are few repairs (such as replacing your alternator, or replacing the steering rack) that this forum doesn't guide you through, armed with the experiences of many others who have been through exactly what you are faced with.

Midas wouldn't even try the repair. They were just giving an opinion about the source of the problem. I can do simple things, but I am not a mechanic by any means. I agree that this forum gets a gold star. Thanks.