Steering: Power steering reservoir

[philcol]

Hi, my V70 has started to become noisy when warm and the steering is turned. I have taken it to the local garage (not Volvo specialists) and they have said the pump is shot and needs replacing and a new reservoir as mine has swollen (not leaking any fluid but does froth alot and can't run the engine with the cap off as it spurts out). After researching the problem on this site I have found a referance to a bit of plastic being on the end of the brass pipe in the reservoir. Mine hasn't got this and I was wondering if I just needed a new reservoir and not the pump as the cost for a new one is shocking!!! Also, will I be damaging the rack if I continue to drive it?

Cheers
Phil

[Chris2134]

Phil,

I had this problem on my S60 T5. The plastic power fluid bottle has a small return pipe which feeds the returning fluid to the bottom of the bottle so the air is expelled. It is a common fault for this small pipe to fall off.

The result is the fluid becomes airated and causes the power steering pump to cavitate. This is the loud whining noise you hear.

The S60 has the same bottle as the V70. As you take the filler cap off you should see a small plastic pipe attached near the neck of the bottle which is angled down to the bottom of the reservoir.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[Dunc]

Why not just try changing the resevoir first and see what happens then as this is going to be the cheaper option, you wont have lost anything trying as they want to change it anyway,

Dunc

[ellisont]

you dont need to buy anything just take of the reservoir, when you take the hose of the the top of the reservoir you will see a brass pipe sticking out by about 20mm, this should not stick out like this, put the black plastic pipe back on inside the reservoir on the brass pipe and once you have done this knock the brass pipe back into the reservoir (the piece that is sticking out by 20mm) and thus it will never come of again. This will solve your problem if you need to know why the brass pipe becomes exposed i will let you know but basically it is to do with pressures. hope this is clear if not let me know but it will not cost you a penny.

Andy

[philcol]

Cheers all. I have had to order a new reservoir as I couldn't find the plastic bit that is mean't to go over the brass pipe to reattach it. Hope this cures it and it doesn't need a new pump!

This car is becoming an expensive nightmare, it now looks as though the exhaust it blowing but I cannot see where. A friend has suggested it could be the top engine mount (which does look as though the rubber has spilt) and this could be putting pressure on the flexi joint!!! I've had enough of it now and will possibly looking for a replacement.

Phil

[Lugger]

I have got exactly the same problem. Could you tell me where you got your new reservoir from? Thanks

[Andy]

Main Dealer! PM 'Rufe' on here or call MRG for a price 01249 443300.

Try and get the later redesigned tank (2005+ ?) that doesn't expand under pressure.

[Chesterman]

Phil,
Hope it is not your flex joint that is blowing. This failed on my previous (97) V70 and I was told it was an integral part of the exhaust manifold !!!! £350 for new manifold + labour !!!!!!!!!

[V70RMW]

Really doubt it is the pump. Changing the reservoir seems a sensible precaution as they do tend to leak - have replaced on both my P2 cars. Low fluid will also result in the same symptoms.