Replace Speed-Sensitive Steering Rack

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 06 Apr 2019, 07:44

Hi folks;

There is a leak in the power steering system of my 2007 V70 2.5T. I'm having a tough time finding a garage to just put it up on a hoist for a look-see, so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before booking it in. I'm hoping it's just a leak in a hose or fitting, but am steeling myself for a big, expensive repair.

Volvo says it has speed-sensitive steering, rack p/n 36050366.

Can I install a less expensive (?) non-speed-sensitive rack or am I stuck finding a direct ($$$) replacement? Any pointers toward an affordable used or rebuilt unit would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **oragex** » 06 Apr 2019, 10:27

Hello and welcome!

I'm also in Canada and have to tell, garages are pretty shady here so careful about what they would say if you find one. I like to use local.google.com and search for 'european car garage' and read the reviews.

There are a few places to look for leaks. Most common it's a leak under the reservoir where the hoses attach, those clamps get loose a little and start leaking. The reservoir cap may also leak a little (no biggie). The reservoir itself can develop a tiny crack where the two parts are splitting, perhaps wipe and look after a few days again. The connection at the pump can also leak from loose clamps

If all these check fine, then turn the wheels furn turn and look from the side of the car at the boots that go inside the rack, look near the area in the picture, may also squeeze a little if you can reach by hand, if the rack is leaking on either side these boots will fill with fluid - however it may not always show because they are 'sealed' by the clamps.

Then follow the metal line coming from the pump, goes underneath near the car frame behind the right wheel: sometimes this line can get kinked at this place from working (such as when replacing the control arms), it may show as a tiny crack or dent.

Careful not to get under the car supported only by the spare jack. May also take a few pics and post them here

If the rack does need replaced, I would buy a used one from Ebay, you will indeed need the correct one with the sensor on it

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 08 Apr 2019, 08:46

Thanks for your insight.

The weather here in SW Ontario is in transition, so I can't plan to get under the car. The three local Volvo shops are too busy to look at it, and I'm not thrilled with the idea of going to CTC or other generic shop. I had a trusted young mechanic at the Lube 'N Go, but he's off fixing trucks now.

There are no issues with steering at any speed, it's tight and precise. The reservoir has a bit of staining but not enough to indicate a leak, and it's dry as far down as I can see.

I had the wheels off on Saturday while prematurely installing my summer tires. There's a lot of dirt-caked fluid on the cross member and the belly pan,case well as along the lines, but I can't get underneath to look more closely. Hopefully a garage will let me have a look for myself when it's up on a hoist.

I'll have to keep the reservoir full in the meantime and plan to power wash the driveway.

Thanks again.

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 09 Apr 2019, 20:44

Well, I had a mechanic look at it. It's one of the high pressure lines. Needs sway bar or just bushings too. I'm looking $3500 CDN for service with Volvo parts.

And now the engine is burbling when I rev it in park. It never did that before. Sorry I took it in.

Also of note - the ECU has been throwing P0027, and I've just already replaced the Exhaust Cam Solenoid and gasket and got an oil change, after a few days with can of Seafoam in the crankcase.

So. Anyone in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph area willing to take this on and save me some dough?

Any leads on a good used or rebuilt speed-sensitive rack for a 2007 V70 2.5T FWD, VIN YV1SW592572642375 would be greatly appreciated (the rack is $1300 from Volvo, p/n 36050366)

Thanks to all.

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 09 Apr 2019, 20:49

Update: No P0027 since clearing this afternoon, but it's spewing PS fluid like a severed artery.

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 09 Apr 2019, 21:02

Nope. P0027 is back, and there's a tick-pause-tick-pause-tick noise coming from somewhere at the timing belt end of the engine, perhaps by the cam solenoids.

Oh, what to do. I love this car but...

Post by **abscate** » 10 Apr 2019, 01:35

A used rack from a pick and pull or shipped from Erie should ease the pain. Its about a 4 hour drive to Utica from the Niagara Peninsula , I could get it to Buffalo area for you on a monthly run, though.u

Harry’s In Hazleton PA lists racks at $35 for example

Pull both the VIN and the plate code in the engine compartment for correct fitment

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 10 Apr 2019, 07:56

No joy at Harry's, but thanks for the help.

fandywagon · Post by **fandywagon** » 10 Apr 2019, 14:10

I took my car to Volvo specialist Scott Cunningham in Ayr, ON. He was able to take it in right away. Turns out there is a pinhole in one of the balance tubes, right under the clip that holds it in place. The good news is that it's a ZF rack and those lines are replaceable. And only $60CDN plus labour! Sure beats a full rack replacement.

Maybe now I can afford to fix that squeaky squirrel cage fan. After I get the P0027 issue resolved, fix the sunroof, replace the front struts (again), etc., etc., etc.

Cheers, all.

Post by **abscate** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:05

fandywagon wrote: 10 Apr 2019, 14:10 I took my car to Volvo specialist Scott Cunningham in Ayr, ON. He was able to take it in right away. Turns out there is a pinhole in one of the balance tubes, right under the clip that holds it in place. The good news is that it's a ZF rack and those lines are replaceable. And only $60CDN plus labour! Sure beats a full rack replacement.

Maybe now I can afford to fix that squeaky squirrel cage fan. After I get the P0027 issue resolved, fix the sunroof, replace the front struts (again), etc., etc., etc.

Cheers, all.