2008 V70 3.2 Loss of power assist in steering

dmg4 · Post by **dmg4** » 27 Dec 2020, 11:34

Happy holidays!

My 2008 V70 3.2L six cyl has the following symptoms:

1. Slight loss of fluid. Topped off to "cold" mark now
2. Loss of power assist in more than minimal turn while stopped
3. Loss power assist if rapid turn attempted in motion
4. Power assist seems fine when executing slow turn when under way.

In other words, I have some power assist when placing minimal demand on the system, but when more assist is needed, it feels like manual steering.

Time for a new pump? Is this a DIY job for someone with moderate skill and access to YouTube?

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 27 Dec 2020, 12:47

When was the last time the PS fluid was changed using Pentosin (green)?

Post by **ljsommar1** » 27 Dec 2020, 13:11

The original units are very robust. I would flush the system with OEM Pentosin fluid. Then make sure there are no air pockets, jack up front end and turn lock to lock many times. If you end up replacing the pump, a used OEM pump is your best bet.

dmg4 · Post by **dmg4** » 27 Dec 2020, 13:36

I flushed the system with new OEM fluid, and then bled the system (20 times, lock-to-lock, reservoir cap off). This did not help. But, I learned more about the symptoms.
1. The vacuum pump appears to be leaking oil. It might be leaking onto the serpentine belt.
2. In the bleeding process, the serpentine belt was squealing.
3. The loss of power occurred during a squeal, go slow in a turn and there is no squeal and no resistance. So, might the PS pump may be operating fine, but is not being driven by due to the belt slipping?
4. I could smell the belt getting hot after the system bleeding (lots of squealing going on).

Post by **abscate** » 27 Dec 2020, 14:53

It can take a long time to get the air out of the PS system, like a week of driving.

If it’s leaking you need to,fix the leaks, the capacity is only about one liter

dmg4 · Post by **dmg4** » 27 Dec 2020, 15:49

Three questions:

1. Would air enter the system through a minor leak?
2. To bleed any air from the system, should I drive with the reservoir cap loose or tight?
3. Would air in the system cause the serpentine belt to slip when executing a quick turn?

I just realized I started this thread under the wrong section of the forum. I should have posted under the 2008 and later V70 section.

Post by **chrism** » 27 Dec 2020, 16:51

If you heard the belt squealing and smelled it burning then a belt replacement seems to be in order. If something is leaking some sort of fluid onto the belt then that problem needs to be fixed first.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Dec 2020, 17:58

The wheels need to be up in the air to " bleed" the system.

It isn't the same as bleeding brakes. You basically are getting air out of the rack part of the system by turning lock to lock unloaded.

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Dec 2020, 06:53

squealing serpentine might be from other pullies or tensioner.
Check them all when the belt is off.

dmg4 · Post by **dmg4** » 31 Dec 2020, 03:22

OK. This problem is solved. Now, remember that this is about a 2008 Volvo V70 3.2 L, and I messed up and posted this in the wrong section of the forum. With that disclaimer, here we go:

1. The vacuum pump seals, apparently notorious on this model engine, had failed. It's directly over the serpentine belt, and has been pissing oil onto the serpentine belt for God-knows-how-long.
2. The fix is simple: a new seal kit for $24. The pump is easy to access. Pull off the ductwork, remove the battery, unbolt the AC compressor bracket, remove the pump, clean it off, and replace the 3 rubber seals. Replace everything, torque to specs, done.
3. Look at the serpentine belt. Oh crap. Next time, fix the vacuum pump before it pisses oil for a year.
3. Now sit down and have a good cry, because the next thing you need to replace is the serpentine belt. Go buy the kit for $190 that includes the belt, the tensioner and idler. Replace it all, because you'll NEVER want to do this again.
4. Remove the ductwork, remove the battery, remove the battery box, remove the power steering pump, unbolt everything that has a bolt, implore Odin to stike dead the engineers who designed this system, lay waste to their crops, and may they all outlive their children and die alone... in the rain.
5. Recover your composure. Reassemble your abortive work before it's too late, and take the car to a real mechanic and hand them the parts. Return 3.5 hrs later with the money for the labor. Pray to Odin to forgive your rash behavior in thinking you could do this job. You are not worthy.