2002 V70 T5 Power Steering Pump Leak?

stockton · Post by **stockton** » 02 Jan 2008, 15:36

While changing my serpentine belt yesterday (for some reason I didn't do this when I did the 60K service) I noticed some fluid of some kind under the car on the passenger side front of the motor. The fluid was on the oil filter and the bottom of the a/c compressor mount. It appears the trail might be coming down the block from the PS pump but it is hard to tell. The power steering pump is the only thing under the hood that is remotely wet, and I guess the tell tale sign that something with the power steering is leaking is would be that the fluid is low. Is this a common problem on these cars? We're at 67000 miles.

Has anyone had any luck with the remanufactured units from Cardone?
The local dealer has new ones for 415.00 and FCP has them for 315.00

http://www2.partstrain.com/v5/products. ... 67265+5849

How do you remove the pulley from the pump?

Thanks

Andrew

edited for pulley question

Post by **sseir39** » 02 Jan 2008, 17:16

Have had that problem on an 850 and the oil was killing the alternator. Picked up a used unit which is fine. First, check your hoses to see if the fittings are good---could be that simple.

Cardone does make good aftermarket parts, from my experience on US products.

Dick

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jan 2008, 19:10

I agree with checking the hoses. When changing out the spark plugs on our '04 V70 I noticed the area under the power steering pump to also be wet. I traced it to the clamp on the hose that is connected to the pump. I tightened it up quite a bit and the leak stopped. Also, check the cap on the PS pump...not that these are prone to leak but I would hate for you to change out a good pump. If the pump is truly kaput, this is the first I've heard of one going on a P2 ('01 and newer) V70.

stockton · Post by **stockton** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:02

Other than the leak I don't think there is anything wrong with the pump. Everything sounds and runs normal. The alternator is dry, I did notice that the bracket behind the pump had quite a bit of fluid residue on it but the fluid could be leaking out of the hose and running under and around the pump and the pulley throwing it back there. The pulley does have some residue on it as well. How tight is to tight for the hose clamp. It would not tighten with a screwdriver but when I put a 1/4"drive 7mm socket on it I was able to get the clamp to tighen about 2 or three notches in the clamp. It felt like it would go more but I didn't want to go to far with it and risk damaging the hose barb or hose. I can replace a the clamp if need be. Below is a link to some pictures of the PS pump. It looks like the fluid could be coming from the hose connection as there is fluid residue on the hose but I'm having a hard time figuring out how fluid is getting on the back of the pump. I can buy that fluid would be going under the pump body and collecting on the bracket behind the pump then going down the block but I'm still not sure how it is getting on the back of the pump body.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/ ... 4018-1.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/ ... C04010.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/ ... C04007.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/ ... C04018.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/ ... C04008.jpg

Thanks,

Andrew

Post by **sseir39** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:29

The only thing I could figure out is that the tank was weeping oil out. I tightened things but the leak persisted. No leaks now. This is a Saginaw pump if I am correct and there is a large O ring somewhere plus could be a brazing flaw on one of the tubes.

Keep tightening and checking before doing anything. Also, perhaps the hose has a crack and needs to be circumcised???

Dick

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:40

I agree...I tightened mine with a ratchet too a couple of clicks and that seemed to do it. I too had the residue (your pictures are similar to how mine was)...not sure what the air flow is under the hood around there while moving...but that might be the cause of what appears to be more than the simple hose leak...anyway, things are better on mine so just wait and see how yours is in a week or so.

Not to be crude, but in a flash, I saw "circumcised" and your name....and about lost it...

stockton · Post by **stockton** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:00

I must admit, I too about laughed my way off the sofa. I might try giving the clamp another click or so. I need to top off the fluid now it is low, what fluid is required. I know it is a synthetic fluid and not ATF. I can go down to the dealer and get theirs or is there an equivalent available at the corner parts store

I will let you guys know what happens.

Andrew

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:13

I would stick to the dealer's if I were you...I think it's plain Dexron III ATF but the color is different....I don't know enough about it to tell you for certain, so best to be safe and it's not going to kill your wallet.

stockton · Post by **stockton** » 03 Jan 2008, 17:57

topped off with fluid and replaced the clamp, all appears to be better now.

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Jan 2008, 19:30

Just out of curiosity, how much was the fluid at Volvo and what color was it?