I have a 2007 V70 2.5T with 150k miles. Great car! It has developed a power steering fluid leak. Not sure where the biggest leak is because I haven't been able to look at it carefully yet (I live in Manhattan). It could be the rack since it is wet at the splash pan. I wonder if I may have caused the leak. I recently changed the brushes on the alternator and to do so I siphoned out power steering fluid from the reservoir and refilled it with Volvo power steering fluid (Genuine Volvo - 30741424). I probably added 1/4 qt of fluid.

Could the new fluid have caused the leak? The old fluid was original, I think.

There seems to be weepage at several places near the top of the engine (lower part of power steering pump and rubber part of high pressure hose) but those look pretty minor. Based on the reservoir fill level I have lost only 1/8 qt of fluid so far. But car failed NYS inspection. The car is going with my daughter to college in two weeks and I'd like to fix it asap.

Cheers,
Steve

Don’t know your model’s specific steering setup but I suggest checking to see if it is leaking where the inner tie rods enter the steering rack. If it leaks there it is probably indicative of leaky rack seals. Which seem to be a common Volvo problem across models. A PS flush and refill with Volvo PS fluid could help?? Might be worth a shot. Flush and refill stopped a PS leak in my 850’s rack.
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

Add a bottle of (Lucas Power steering conditioner)

Hello All,

The rack is leaking where the inner tie rod end enters the rack, on the passenger side. After flushing with Pentosin 11S, I got green fluid coming out of the rack there.

Leak is probably 10ml over 300 miles.

What do you suggest:

1) Add Lucas Power steering conditioner (is that compatible with Pentosin 11S?)
2) replace with used rack from Erie Volvo - $370 part
3) replace with new (rebuilt Bosch rack) - $900 part

My current inner and outer tie rod ends are pretty new (about 30k miles).

Thank you!
Steve

The location of the leak means it is probably the rack seals leaking. Before purchasing a rack, I would give it some time to see if the leak dries up. After flushing the old fluid and refilling my 850’s PS system with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF it took about a month for the leak to dry up. Assuming it’s compatible, you have nothing to lose if you decide to try the Lucas too.

If you decide to buy a used rack, I would only buy a low mileage part. Since this is a fairly common problem with older Volvos a high mileage rack could very possibly leak in no time.

Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

Hi.

I decided to give it some time after flushing, as you suggested.

The steering rack boot on that side had become detached from the rack, probably from the leaking fluid. I secured it as well as I could. Should I be concerned that the leaking fluid will not have a way to escape without blowing the boot off, or should it be able to leak out of the boot without the boot becoming disconnected?

Steve

Hi Steve,

Don’t have an answer for you. Suggest keeping an eye on the boot. If worse case scenario happens and the boot is lost, you could attach another boot, top up the fluid and basically restart the fluid monitoring process.

Jim
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

According to Volvo your PS fluid must be Volvo synthetic power steering fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S) P/N 1161529 or equivalent.

New fluid will not cause a leak. But, removing the reservoir lines and reattaching them can cause a leak. The clamps must be at the same place the old clamps were at.

You don't say why it failed NY inspection.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Hi Klaus,

Thanks so much. The Volvo PS fluid is of the new variety Pentosin CHF 202.
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/16388/Power-Steering-Fluid-Genuine-Volvo-30741424-125963

Pentosin CHF 202 is supposed to be compatible with the Pentosin CHF 11S, but maybe not? Maybe I read this wrong: http://pentosin.net/pressreleases/crp_101_fluid_guide.pdf
Volvo no longer sells CHF 11S; only 202.
I ordered Pentosin CHF 11S and could try a flush. Is that what you would recommend?

The leak doesn't seem to be coming from the clamps at the pump, but I will double check the hose clamps.

The inspection shop failed it because of the PS fluid leak. (Or was it because my wife took it to be inspected and not me?) Actually, I am glad they noticed the leak. I probably wouldn't have looked under the car for a week and then timing would be tighter for giving the car to my daughter for college use.

Best,
Steve

I quoted the 2007 owner's manual. 202 fluid is what you really want and is mixable with 11S.

Where is the leak? (s). I had thought it was around the reservoir. If it is leaking around the boots, that is a different problem.

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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Dear Klaus,

Thanks again. The leak actually seems to be coming from the back of the PS pump, where the four torx bolts are. I will try tightening those bolts. The leak does not seem to be coming from the supply or high pressure lines on the pump.

I flushed with 11S yesterday. My owners manual calls for 11S as you say. Somehow the leak coincided with me removing the PS pump to get access to the alternator and then adding 1/4 qt of new 202 fluid. But maybe tightening the bolts will work, or I will replace the pump. I think that the rack is dry, but I will need to get the car on stands to double check.

Best,
Steve