Power steering line

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 14 Oct 2021, 10:29

98 V70 has a bad bad leak- it isn't spraying so I suspect it is the return line- do I have to drop or lower the subframe to repair this ??

Post by **scot850** » 14 Oct 2021, 15:20

Have you had a chance to see where about the leak is coming from? If it was the high pressure line I would have expected a huge spray that would quickly drain the system. Trying to recall which line runs under the engine near the middle of the car. Could it have got snagged on something?

Neil.

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 14 Oct 2021, 15:48

it is right in the middle and I suspect it must be the return as it takes a few days to empty- is was -6 this am so I am not looking forward to laying on cold concrete this am, I had a bad transmission leak that covered it up for a while, I will jack it up this weekend and take a peek- if I have to drop the subframe I will have to pay somebody to do this

Post by **abscate** » 14 Oct 2021, 19:18

You can do the return line by just tapping in before the leak and routing up to the reservoir.

That fitting in the rack can be horrible to Release, it’s soft alloy and rounds off.

Avoid messing with it if at all possible

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 16 Oct 2021, 19:07

Sadly discovered it is the pressure line a little pinhole but there was a mesh over it so it just dripped- I replaced the rack 4 years ago so the lines probably aren't super tight but do I have to drop the subframe ???

Post by **Blacklab467** » 17 Oct 2021, 03:53

You seem to be intimidated with dropping the subframe and yes you will have to do it. It's not a difficult task at all, just 2 bolts and six smaller ones for the plates. The rest of the job is just remove and replace the line. Use a floor jack to support the engine and remove the front right engine mount ( 2 bolts). You'll probably need to jack the engine up with the subframe dropped at the same time, this is not a big deal nor difficult. The key to this job is to give yourself lots of room and then it goes pretty smooth, jack the front end up as high as you can and use good jack stands. I needed Crowfoot wrenches to undo the pressure line at the rack. The whole job should take 3-4 hours if you take your time. Do not buy an aftermarket part for this repair.
Good Luck.

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 18 Oct 2021, 09:09

The issue is time and weather- it is getting down to negative temperatures now and laying on the cold ground will not be fun I may bite the bullet and pay for this one

Post by **Blacklab467** » 18 Oct 2021, 09:24

Understood. That might be an expensive bill. Don't scrimp on the parts for this job, make sure you get a Volvo brand part. I've been getting a lot of parts from Volvo of Toronto online, their prices are very reasonable.

Post by **scot850** » 18 Oct 2021, 17:01

I also use Volvo of Toronto. Their prices include free shipping.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 18 Oct 2021, 18:23

Worth trying a patch. Let line depressurize, scrape, acetone clean.

JB weld and clamp hose over hole?