Coolant leak at turbo 2003 XC70

Sugawgn · Post by **Sugawgn** » 16 Jul 2026, 12:36

Hi everyone, Im new to the site but my father "Sveedy" has been on here for quite some time. I recently purchased a 2003 XC70 and named her "Suga". The seller mentioned an occasional coolant leak but didnt know where it was coming from. When I pulled "Suga" onto the ramps to do an oil change, I located the leak at the turbo. Only problem is we cant find a way to get to the gasket with it being AWD. Has anyone else encountered this problem? TIA

Post by **jonesg** » 16 Jul 2026, 15:00

it uses copper washers on the banjo fittings, try snugging them up first.
FCP sells new washer for $1.60
some connections can be done from the top, some from below.
I removed and replaced the turbo with AWD box in place.
Shop time is 6 hours if you pull the awd angle gear.
Drain coolant, you'll still get a small shower , just be ready to dodge.

Post by **jonesg** » 17 Jul 2026, 15:32

I had good results loosening the banjo bolts from below with this low profile extended ratchet from HF.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Jul 2026, 02:44

Oh yeah, those turbo banjo coolant bolts are fun.

You might need a low profile socket or skinny socket to get around stuff.

How bad are the exhaust nuts? You can take the turbo off, install lines , and reinstall with hard lines on car. Definitely replace the oil drain gasket if you do this, too.

Say hello to Sveedy from us. He’s a legend here..

Post by **BlackBart** » 19 Jul 2026, 08:46

“Son of Sveedy!” Welcome!

Sugawgn · Post by **Sugawgn** » 19 Jul 2026, 10:52

BlackBart wrote: 19 Jul 2026, 08:46 “Son of Sveedy!” Welcome!

Thanks BlackBart!!!! Looking forward to sharing "The journey of Suga" with everyone!!

Sugawgn · Post by **Sugawgn** » 19 Jul 2026, 10:53

abscate wrote: 19 Jul 2026, 02:44 Oh yeah, those turbo banjo coolant bolts are fun.

You might need a low profile socket or skinny socket to get around stuff.

How bad are the exhaust nuts? You can take the turbo off, install lines , and reinstall with hard lines on car. Definitely replace the oil drain gasket if you do this, too.

Say hello to Sveedy from us. He’s a legend here..

Thank you so much for the information, ill grab one of the low profile ratchets and see if it can be done without removing the turbo.

Sugawgn · Post by **Sugawgn** » 19 Jul 2026, 10:55

jonesg wrote: 16 Jul 2026, 15:00 it uses copper washers on the banjo fittings, try snugging them up first.
FCP sells new washer for $1.60
some connections can be done from the top, some from below.
I removed and replaced the turbo with AWD box in place.
Shop time is 6 hours if you pull the awd angle gear.
Drain coolant, you'll still get a small shower , just be ready to dodge.

Thank you Jonesg! Ill probably order some of the washers to have on hand in case it wont snug up. I really appreciate everyones help

Post by **jonesg** » 19 Jul 2026, 13:48

Sugawgn wrote: 19 Jul 2026, 10:53

Thank you so much for the information, ill grab one of the low profile ratchets and see if it can be done without removing the turbo.

You can definitely install or snug down the copper washers without pulling the turbo, 2 copper washers per banjo bolt.
I dropped the banjo bolt, $9, found it last week , 8 yrs later, when i swapped the steering rack.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Jul 2026, 18:58

Here’s a trick on the banjo bolts. Assemble them and trap the copper washer with a o ring.

Red o are copper washers

See black ring at bottom

Get it started, then pull the oring off with a pick..