New User, Oil Leak, Coolant Leak, Pwr Steer Leak - 850 GLT

Post by **KEITHMAN** » 15 May 2008, 12:02

Hi!

My name is Keith Hartley. I'm new to this site. I learned about this site from IPD. I don't actually own a Volvo. I am the caretaker of my sister's '96 Volvo 850 GLT. I'm thinking I can get some good help from you folks. It's got about 165,000 miles on it. It has been a very user friendly car to work on. It's also been quite a good car. I'm getting set to do an overhaul on the cooling system. New radiator and all new hoses. Do you have a suggestion for which coolant to use?

I am looking for advice on an oil leak, power steering fluid leak, and the imfamous rear brake squeal. I think I found some answers while lurking on your site. I'm asking for a place to start looking for the source of the leaks and possible repair suggestions. Any help would be hugely appreciated.

I would like to donate to this site. How do I go about doing that? This is quite valuable information being provided here. I'd like to help keep it going. It's going to be a great help to me!

Thanks!!! Have A Great Day!!!

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 May 2008, 12:12

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

I have moved your question to the 850 section to, hopefully, get more responses.

To donate look in the yellow section above for the PayPal link. All donations are welcomed by Matthew.

Bill.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 May 2008, 12:50

Do you have a suggestion for which coolant to use?

I use Zerex G-05 in my cars (Mixed 50/50). It is a little hard to find but NAPA normally stocks it. It is the only antifreeze I can find that actually says phosphate free on the jug.

The leaks are a little tougher to track down. I degrease everything and then run it a short time to try to narrow the locations down.

The rear brakes really tend to squeal if you don't use OEM Volvo pads. I've also had good luck with with Mintex Red pads - anything you get from a chain auto parts store will squeal no matter what you do.

You need to grease the shims and the back of the pads with Sil-Glyde. I have also successfully used a Permetex product called Disc Brake Quiet.

...Lee