1998 xc-70 power steering leaks

Post by **Clockboy** » 19 Oct 2015, 09:16

I have two areas where there are leaks. The first I found when changing the boot while replacing the tie rod. It had fluid inside that seems to have been contained by the boot clamps. Now with the zip tie the leak is obvious. The second is the area on the pump under the reservoir. There had been some fluid on top, but I thought it was because the cap had a torn seal. Changed the cap and the top of the pump is dry, but it is damp below. I've read some people have had success with using stop leak products to minimize the rack leak, but I was wondering if it would also do anything above? Seems to me a seal is a seal and it should have some effect, but was wondering if others have had a success. I think either there was a leak at the lower area of the pump before and I attributed it to the cap or I closed a leak up top and the seals decided to fail. Every time I get one leak resolved on this car another seems to pop up. Slowly eliminating potential failure points, but each one is such a monumental pita with the awd.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Oct 2015, 11:55

Welcome to the AWD disadvantage! I have used the leak stopper type product on a 99 Audi A4 and it appeared to work like a charm, although I never removed the rack boots to confirm, but the dribble stopped.

I also tried it on a 98 V70XC, but it didn't work on that. Ended up replacing the rack with a Volvo re-con unit. Unlike cooling system sealers, I have less issue with using the power steering sealer as you don't have a heater core or radiator and thermostat to clog.

Neil.

Post by **Clockboy** » 19 Oct 2015, 12:11

Thanks scot850. I figure if I can get this beast relatively leak free and dependable then anything else will have to be easier. The leak seal products seem to work on many, but not all. I'm just wondering if anyone had any experience with it working on the actual pump. At least that is located up top and seems relatively accessible if it needed to be replaced - especially in comparison to the rest of the leaking bits. Did you replace your rack yourself? IF so was it as annoying as advertised. If this does not work I'm sure it will fail during a particularly cold spell in the winter when lying on the ground is not much of an option.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Oct 2015, 23:10

I did not replace the rack myself as I don't have the facilities. I paid an arm and leg to the dealer. I was about to give the car to my son, and so could not take the time to even try myself.

Good thing now is that if you buy the parts from a Volvo dealer and have them install them, they now have a lifetime warranty! I'd check first that they don't have a weasel clause!

The sealants usually 'condition' seals to give back some elasticity to help them seal better. There is no reason it should not work on any seal in the system, top or bottom. Good used pumps are not typically expensive. If you have a local PnP where you can pull your own parts, they are usually pretty cheap. In Canada, they charge here where I live, around $35 CDN (about $27 US) for a pump.

Neil.

Post by **Clockboy** » 27 Oct 2015, 15:23

Changed the ATF fluid in the steering system over to valvoline Transmission Fluid with Stop Leak. The seepage at the bottom of the pump is gone and the boot area is drying up. Hopefully it works for a while and the dreaded rack job can be avoided for now. Thanks all. This was a very good thing.

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 27 Nov 2015, 21:17

Interesting stuff, especially as I've just noticed loud whirring sounds, low power-steering fluid levels and spots on the driveway. I tried Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, which quieted all the noise, but a few hours later after parking some new wet spots under the car. I'll check back tomorrow and see if I can find the source of the leak.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 27 Nov 2015, 22:22

Wondering if it's good preventative maintenance to put ATF with Stop Leak AND some Lucas in there, just in case...

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 29 Nov 2015, 21:36

That might be overkill, but maybe!

The good news is that the Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak seems to have done the trick. After topping off this morning before running the day's errands, I am happy to report that there are no fresh spots on the driveway. Maybe it just had to run through the system enough to adequately condition the leaky seals.

Now, of course, I'm wondering whether I should replace it all with new power-steering fluid. ...

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 26 Dec 2015, 12:18

Update: After a few more spots on my driveway and topping off the power-steering pump reservoir with Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, the leaks seem to have finally stopped for good. Fingers crossed that I don't need a new PS pump (which I was going to check when I replaced my timing belt but had to put on hold to diagnose an electrical problem and/or misfire I may have inadvertently caused during a PCV system replacement).