Daily Steering Fluid Loss, '98 S70 T5

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 28 Aug 2007, 05:51

Hi,

I was hoping someone can give a practical advise and insight. A month ago my car's steering fluid level fell below the "low" mark on the steering fluid dipstick ( I heard a whirring sound which prompted me to check the fluid level). I filled up with "Esso Type F (non dexron / non mercon) ATF" to refill it. Now suddenly, it has started happening daily. I hear a whirring noise from the steering so I check quickly and find that the fluid is below low. I just refill it with the same bottle. Can you please advise on:
1 What part is likely failing?
2 What could have I done to prevent or defer the failure?
3 What are my options to resolve the situation?
4 Is this a frequent problem on high mileage cars?

I have 315,000km on the car (~198,000miles). It is an automatic and it is all stock. All parts are fractory original except the radiator and the turbo and other minor wear and tear stuff.

Thank you very much.

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 28 Aug 2007, 06:22

If you are not seeing any obvious leaks (i.e. from any of the hydraulic line connections), then take a close look at the inner tie rod boots. If you can remove one end of the boot (preferably the inside end), see if your power steering fluid is leaking into the boots.

If so, your steering rack needs to be replaced.

-Chuck

Post by **pfeener** » 28 Aug 2007, 12:50

To start with the PS fluid type for your car is Dextron III. I don't know what, if any, effect the type F would have. If your adding every day, it's going somewhere. Climb under there and see where it's leaking.

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 28 Aug 2007, 12:59

pfeener wrote:To start with the PS fluid type for your car is Dextron III. I don't know what, if any, effect the type F would have. If your adding every day, it's going somewhere. Climb under there and see where it's leaking.

Hi,
The manual says ATF fluid. The indep volvo garage guy said either dexron or non-dexron type ATF is good. I had to make a decision on the road so I went with what seemed to be closest to reg. ATF. I will check under the car and post back soon.
Thank you.

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 31 Aug 2007, 12:24

Ghassan wrote:
pfeener wrote:To start with the PS fluid type for your car is Dextron III. I don't know what, if any, effect the type F would have. If your adding every day, it's going somewhere. Climb under there and see where it's leaking.
Hi,
The manual says ATF fluid. The indep volvo garage guy said either dexron or non-dexron type ATF is good. I had to make a decision on the road so I went with what seemed to be closest to reg. ATF. I will check under the car and post back soon.
Thank you.

In case for someone who needs this information in the future: The part # according to a Canadian Volvo Dealer (Brossard, QC) is
Volvo part #: 8251305
price; $746.98 (Cdn) with core exchange.

Thanks.