2000 V70 base power steering header tank

[scot850]

Having failed it's inspection at Volvo, one of the problems they highlighted was an oil leak at the header tank for the power steering (99- Volvos having a separate tank mounted to the coolant header tank).

Now my ever optimistic side hopes it is just the hose has shrunk and the Oetiker pipe clamp needs to be replaced (no further compression available on it). It looks like PS fluid it leaking between the plastic outlet pipe to the power steering pump and rubber hose at the base of the tank. I had to replace the clamp at the other power steering pump end as it had failed (screw type).

I am however realistic that it could also be a slight crack in the plastic outlet pipe or even a failing hose( I have a Rein replacement if needed).

Am I right in thinking these header tanks are fairly prone to cracking? You have to move it and the coolant tank together to access stuff like the timing belt and to remove the serpentine belt which could strain that bottom pipe connection.

Before I run out and spend another $85 at Volvo for a replacement (yes I could go to PnP if it weren't snowing and going to be down to -19C overnight over the next few days). Would a used one be any safer to fit or is it just as likely be close to failure too?

Input appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil.

[scot850]

Well as far as I can see it is not the header tank but the tank to pump hose has gone hard and porous so won't seal under pressure of even just a fuel header tank! Tried replacing the clamp but it made no difference.

I stupidly believed FCP reviews (don't believe them unless on OE Volvo only!) as a perfect fit. The pipe needs to be shaped a particular way and this is not. It is the same length and fits ok at the pump end, but due to the profile it sits happily right on top of the serpentine belt! Just fricking perfect. Anyone out there have any words of help as to how to get it to fit or do I have to go to the dealer and pay (my discounted) $120 CDN for one (v's the $12 US for the Rein one from FCP)?

Heck, even the header tank was (only) $85 CDN!

Neil.

[scot850]

Ordered a pipe from Volvo. I have even tried fitting the Rein pipe the wrong way around and it fits better, but sits a bit high at the front so interferes with the air cooling pipe to the ECU box. I will leave the Rein one fitted until tomorrow and see if it will re-shape itself to be usable fitted backwards (I'm assuming it is backwards as the original fitted very close to the serpentine belt also but did have about 5-10mm of clearance. Have to wait now until my son gets back late tonight as he has picked it up for me.

Neil.

[scot850]

Well seeing as I am talking to myself I thought I would post the fix I used and I will add pictures later.

I bought the Volvo OE part an it mirrors the Rein part. I have come to the conclusion Volvo have done another consolidation on parts and have assumed the same part can fit a P80 (99-00) as well as early P2's (01-04). That would be true if the inner fenders were the same shape and the reservoir/header tank for the power steering system were positioned identically. I confirmed the shape of the original pipe with that on my V70R. The ends are almost identical for the end that is supposed to fit to the pump. The difference is the shape of the pipe from about half way to the reservoir from the top of the clip on top of the pump.

The shape kinks down too early as the reservoir on the P80 sits further forward. This forces the pipe to sit down directly onto the serpentine belt.

To fix this I did the following:

1) Cut 2" from the end that is supposed to attach to the reservoir end.
2) Install the pipe in the reverse direction fitting the cut end at the pump end.
3) Before fitting the pipe to the pump end, attach it to the reservoir and then twist the pipe CCW (counter clockwise) which turns it at the bottom of the lowest point toward the timing belt cover. Tighten the clamp at that end, and then fit the pipe to the reservoir and twist it downward to ensure the cold air pipe to the ECU to clear the steering pipe.

So, yes the Rein part fits, but no to the 5* rating as a direct fit. Maybe for a P2 it fits as a 5* but not that I could find for a P80.

Now I will return the $120 Volvo one!

Neil.

[wizechatmgr]

Seems like power steering leaks on my '99 are endless. The tank I swear sweats the stuff. The level doesn't go down any appreciable amount.

I agree on the fitting, I have an aftermarket I put on and it too isn't perfect. It just clears...

[abscate]

I think it foams coming back from the rack and the mist always makes the tank wet.

I wipe it down monthly and yet don’t use any fluid either

Pentolino seems to bleed less than conventional PS fluid