[Sasquatch]

Issues in my 04 S60R M66. Over the past month or so I have noticed a tiny leak from under the ps reservoir/pump area. I did some research and found the known issues with the vent on the reservoir. I ordered the new one from IPD but have not installed it yet. Yesterday on my way home my steering got very heavy and was groaning when turning the wheel. I pulled over and found the reservoir nearly empty. I filled it and nursed it home. When I got home I looked again and found it was half empty after 5 miles or so with a drip line coming from the seam on the side of the box. I would think that it was the box but when I open the cap there is positive pressure in the reservoir. I am going to replace it today but was hoping someone here had some insight for me. Thanks for the help.

 

[Sasquatch]

I guess my question is will the new reservoir fix it or am I needing a new pump?

 

[DrBrutal]

Probably neither of those. I'll bet it's your steering rack. Unless all the fluid is leaking from the pump or resivoir. If it's not leaking from those two, it's the rack leaking. My gf's 2003 V70 has the same issue... You could probably get a refurbed rack for like 3-400$.. I can give you vadis instructions on how to replace if you want to DIY.

 

[Sasquatch]

I had it looked at by tasca. They thought it was the reservoir. I'm gonna swap that tomorrow we will see if that takes care of it. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if that doesn't do it.

 

[DrBrutal]

I had it looked at by tasca. They thought it was the reservoir. I'm gonna swap that tomorrow we will see if that takes care of it. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if that doesn't do it.

Well.. You need just to find where it's leaking from, and fix whatever is leaking. So if the resivoir is leaking, then replacing it should fix it.

 

[thegrapist]

If the steering is hard to turn and the reservoir is empty, you ran the pump dry, therefore significant damage was done. It should be loud and whiny, currently. Replace the lines and reservoir first. If there's still a problem then replace the pump. It's very doubtful you damaged the rack. Do one thing at a time to narrow down your problem and save money.

 

[Sasquatch]

Replaced the reservoir. It is still leaking. Seems to have slowed down though. I don't want to start throwing parts at it without knowing what the issue is. Is there a sure way to diagnose a bad pump or rack? The power steering works silently when full but I did run it empty for about 10 miles so some damage may have already occurred. If I can't figure out what the issue is by Tuesday I'm going to probably throw in the towel and take it to a shop.

 

[thegrapist]

Did you replace the two hoses? If not, replace those and that should take care of it. IIRC they're $40 each from the dealer

 

[Sasquatch]

I'll try that next. Which two specifically? The big one feeding from the reservoir to the pump and is the smaller top one the return?

 

[DrBrutal]

Replaced the reservoir. It is still leaking. Seems to have slowed down though. I don't want to start throwing parts at it without knowing what the issue is. Is there a sure way to diagnose a bad pump or rack? The power steering works silently when full but I did run it empty for about 10 miles so some damage may have already occurred. If I can't figure out what the issue is by Tuesday I'm going to probably throw in the towel and take it to a shop.

You could just take off both steering boots that are clamped to the steering rack.. You'll know immediately if it's leaking, as it will be very obvious. If so, then you found your issue.. You will have to replace the clamps, or you can use heavy duty zip ties..

 

[Sasquatch]

Elaborate please. Where are these clamps? Will it be leaking at the hose or somewhere at the rack? Thanks again for your help.

 

[thegrapist]

The boots are on the inner tie rods. You'll see they have thick zip ties on the thick end of the boot and a tiny hose clamp on the small end of the boot. To get to them remove the tie rod from the knuckle, remove the nut from the outer tie rod and spin the tie rod out. Make sure you mark where the nut was and be prepared to get an alignment if you're not good at eyeballing things.

 

[Sasquatch]

Sounds good. I'll have a look.

 

[Sasquatch]

It is the rack. Anyone diy one before? Shop wants $300 in labor which is super cheap. I'll probably let the the shop do it. Now if I can find a refurb for cheap.