98 S70 Base Steering Rack Troubleshooting

Post by **rmmagow** » 26 Mar 2014, 07:10

Hi,
I've got a 98 S70 Base, 133K miles. Lately the power steering fluid has been foaming, the steering is feeling a little jerky and I've had to add fluid. Looking under the car there are no recently wet spots. I haven't had a really good root around with a flashlight though. Will intact boots hide a leaking rack? Can the rack have leaking issues with no heavy dripping under the car? Is there definitive test to determine if the rack itself is bad? I have no play in the front other than rattling strut mounts, tie rods seem fine, outer side anyway.
Thanks for any troubleshooting hints.

Post by **regent** » 26 Mar 2014, 09:42

Squeeze the boots to see if leaking fluid may have accumulated inside. This happens sometimes when the seals start failing and you have to add fluid with no apparent leaks.

It is possible that an obstructed intake or return line to the PS pump or a dirty filter may cause foaming due to cavitation or even air ingress.

Post by **rmmagow** » 26 Mar 2014, 09:50

Dirty filter, where is the filter and is it replaceable? My MB has a filter that needs replacement every few years, I never heard of that for the volvo.
FCP just posted a blog for the rack, interesting and worthwhile read, just came out today.

Post by **regent** » 26 Mar 2014, 10:07

Right, I forgot that we have lifetime fluids and filters all over...

There should be one within the reservoir; on my S60 the reservoir needs to be replaced. Here is a video on the reservoir by FCP:

It is the same arrangement like BMW has: the reservoir houses the filter.

Post by **rmmagow** » 26 Mar 2014, 10:56

Detroit Axle on Ebay, $180.00 - 30 core so 150 for a rebuilt. Not too bad. At that price I could even afford to have it put in professionally. Warm saturday predicted so under the car and see if it's leaking and do the flush of fluid work before deciding.