2004 S80 power steering leak... what are my options?

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 15 Dec 2015, 14:16

Got into a small accident last Friday and now I have a leak in my power steering system. I believe the leak is located in the upper left section (facing the car) just behind the grille.

The hose looks like quite the challenge to get to. Anyone have any ideas?

I'm fairly good with cars, but it looks like I would have to remove the entire front section of the car to replace the hose, and I have no idea how to do that.
Is a trip to my mechanic my only solution here?

Post by **xHeart** » 15 Dec 2015, 18:14

Any picture of leak?
It could just be as simple as tightening the clamp one more turn.
How many miles?

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 15 Dec 2015, 20:17

97,500 miles. I'll have to get back to you on the pictures.
Good suggestion though. I'll see if I can get to the clamp by first removing the grille.

jbkeene · Post by **jbkeene** » 16 Dec 2015, 06:24

also, if leak is small you can try power steering leak seal
I had a leak on 1 side of the rack...but only in very cold weather
sealant fixed it and the leak never came back
but you may have more severe mechanical damage

Post by **xHeart** » 16 Dec 2015, 09:07

If it helps you in anyway...

Post by **xHeart** » 16 Dec 2015, 09:11

...and this...
Look at all connections carefully.
Item #28 can fail too. Act on this fix if fluid is dripping on alternator.

volvobro · Post by **volvobro** » 23 Dec 2015, 13:12

Thanks for those two diagrams, xHeart. It was extremely useful.

I have managed to fix the leak by removing the front bumper and replacing the 2 ruptured hoses that were attached to the part labelled 17 in the above diagram.

Power steering works fine now, and there was no damage to the pump (thank god).
Also replaced a couple of burnt out bulbs while the bumber was off.

Thanks for the help!