Volvo AWD S40-V40 Forum

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S40 2003 Power Steering Reservoir Cap S40-V40

posted by DougW on Mon Jul 11 13:09 CST 2022
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last visit: Sat Mar 29 14:15 CST 2014

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Hello, it's been ages. I have a dilemma, I need a cap for the power steering fluid reservoir. Anyone know where I can find one? Local dealer no longer has. Is any other cap compatible?

I had some problems about 6 months ago that seemed like a leak and the fluid sold by Barr's really did the trick to stop the leak. Now I am pretty sure I have more leaks or the old one has started again.

Anyone have experience with replacing the whole system? Suggestions? Surely there is a few gurus out there who know the S40 well.

Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

DougW

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Steering rack S40-V40

posted by jwalker on Mon Jul 11 18:53 CST 2022
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last visit: Fri Jun 6 08:39 CST 2014

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Sounds like leaking rack seals. To confirm, go to where the inner tie rods attach to the rack. If you find fluid there most likely it is the seals leaking. Before rack replacement consider this alternative. Do you know what type of fluid is in the system now? If it isn’t synthetic, it is worth trying a flush of the PS system and replacing with a synthetic PS fluid compatible with your PS system. Synthetic fluid will clean and rejuvenate the seals and perhaps stop your leak.

Quick story - my 95 850 also developed a leaky rack. It was the rack seals leaking (common on older Volvo racks). So I flushed it out gradually using a turkey baster and replaced the old fluid with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. After about a month or so the leak disappeared. I did have to repeat this process about once a year during the reminder of my ownership. Well worth it and worlds cheaper than a rack replacement! You might want to check if Mobil 1 ATF is okay for your PS system. My guess is yes as your car is only 8 years newer than my 850. If so, a cheap and easy fix!!
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

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Steering rack S40-V40

posted by DougW on Fri Dec 9 11:59 CST 2022
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last visit: Sat Mar 29 14:15 CST 2014

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Well, I am not seeing your reply until today. Obviously. But that is because the fluid I was experimenting with worked for a time, now it doesn't, hence the new message from me. Thanks for the feedback, the search for a solution goes on. The new message superceded the one I sent earlier and to which two of you graciously replied. Still looking for answers. When I put new Barr's into the reservoir I can see the level go down immediately which indicates either it is very low or there is a glaring leak and it's going directly onto the pavement! To be continued. D

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Steering rack S40-V40

posted by jwalker on Fri Dec 9 12:53 CST 2022
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last visit: Fri Jun 6 08:39 CST 2014

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Just thought of something else. Check the condition of the PS hose leading out of the reservoir. A long time ago I saw one leaking on a 2003 V70. Also seen those hoses in rough shape on 240’s.

Finally, check the reservoir tank itself for cracks and leaks.
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

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Steering rack S40-V40

posted by jwalker on Fri Dec 9 12:34 CST 2022
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last visit: Fri Jun 6 08:39 CST 2014

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Sounds like a serious leak. However. don’t give up just yet!

Reiterating what Bill and I said earlier. Find the inner tie rods and follow them to where they enter the rack itself. Use solvent or other cleaner and thoroughly clean the area so you can see any leaking fluid. If not, take it for a short drive and look again. Pay special attention to the spot where the inner tie rod leaves the rack. If you see fluid there chances are good it is bad internal rack seals. If these aren’t leaking too much you can try flushing the power steering system and refilling with the correct synthetic PS fluid (maybe Mobil 1 synthetic PS fluid will be compatible??). This can work if the seals aren’t leaking too badly. If it is pouring out or leaking from somewhere else on the rack it is probably due for replacement,

Worth a shot. BTW - when I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic PA fluid in my 95 850 it took about a month for the leak to dry up. The synthetic fluid will clean and rejuvenate the seals so they work again but it doesn’t happen overnight…:)

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

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S40 2003 Power Steering Reservoir Cap S40-V40

posted by B.B. on Mon Jul 11 15:17 CST 2022
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last visit: Mon Oct 6 13:15 CST 2014

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get the part number from volvo.
search for it at ebay, or www.duckduckgo.com
call junkyards/used parts dealers
in the meantime put some saran wrap and a rubber band to cover the resevoir top.

clean under the car and check to see where the leak is, before condemning
the rack.

there used to be plentiful rebuilt racks.
maybe there's rack rebuild kits?

post back with your findings to help the volvo community.

bill

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