P80 power steering reservoir leak failure, root cause

Post by **abscate** » 11 Apr 2019, 05:02

I’ve wondered for a while why our PS reservoirs leak, and working with Wizechatmgr the other day, I think we might have found it

Compare the old and the new. The old one is swollen under pressure and this will clearly crack the seam under stress. No idea why these things swell , maybe a relief hole could ease pressure?

Post by **abscate** » 11 Apr 2019, 05:04

We took about 2 liters of ATF to flush ps fluid from the system using the modified Gibbons method.

Post by **850 LPT** » 11 Apr 2019, 05:29

Designed failure point, so Volvo can sell a boatload of these after sale.
I just ordered one for my 99' at the tune of $68

Also, they become hard to remove when they are swollen because they start pushing against the coolant reservoir. Hence your broken tab.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 11 Apr 2019, 15:11

I just bought a new one for my 2000 XC but using a 2005 XC70 reservoir. It fits and is a better design that doesn't leak.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 11 Apr 2019, 20:05

Interesting. Maybe mine is leaking around the seam. I replaced it probably 3-4 months ago since the old one had broken tabs holding it to the coolant reservoir, and it looks good but it almost looks like it's leaking around the seam. The lower hose that goes to the pump is definitely leaking.