Yesterday, I was trying to figure out why I'm leaking power steering fluid. Here's the symptoms: 1) fluid is found on reservoir and not on supply or return lines, 2) the fluid drips down the driverside wheel well and onto the underside of the splash guard, 3) leak was a couple of drips 2 months ago, now its a couple of teaspoons per day, 4) there isn't a gasket sealing the cap to the reservoir, 5) re-tightened supply and return line gaskets.

My guesses are:

1) The black color of the reservoir has me wondering if there's a hairline crack that I can't see. Is this typical, and where on the reservoir near the top such that it would explain the fluid on the top of the reservoir?

2) Also, is there a gasket for the underside of the cap to the PS fluid reservoir? This would also (partially) explain it.

I'd apreciate some diagnosing insight and other questions to help narrow it down.

Thanks in advance.

-OD Willy

John/Mike,

Thanks for taking the time and verifying my suspicion. I'll get to it this weekend when the time might permit.

ODW

Hi,

The reservoir does have a rubber seal. If this is missing you will leak fluid irrespective of how much you tighten the lid.

My wife's 88 240 had this problem. I could not buy the seal alone. Volvo would sell me a lid with the attached dipstick for $30 Aussie dollars, and wrecking yards would only sell complete reservoirs.

After making a paper template I was able to purchase a similar seal and modify to suit the job. In my case it was a bituminised cork engine oil filler seal.

The job cost me $2 and has solved the problem.

Hope this helps.

Take care,

John H from DOWNUNDER

Hey OD:

On my 240 ps cap there is a gasket.