QuestionQUESTION: Hello I have a question on my 1999 S80 Volvo. The power steering is leaking on my car everytime I turn and I have to constantly refill the reservoir because I can't find the leak and it is my only transportation. When I open the reservoir I see tiny white bubbles inside dripping down and the suction hose looks like it has a small leak in it but I don't think that these small things could add up to how muck power steering fluid I am leaking. Any suggestions would help thanks
ANSWER: Garrett, are you seeing fluid on the ground after pulling away from parking? Most likely cuprits are the lines or the rack. Loosen the rack's end rubber boot clamp and see if it's full ofluid on there. HTH
Mark
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QUESTION: I checked everything underneath my car and i followed the hose all the way back to the cannister that the hoses go in and come out of by the left drivers wheel but all the hoses where dry and when i pulled back on the bellows that attaches to the steering arm a lot of fluid came out and i was wondering if fluid is supposed to be in there because i that the power steering was all pressurized and you can't really pressurize the rubber bellows so any suggestions would help and if you could tell me how to go about the process that would be great that you
ANSWER: Garrett, her's your answer: "when i pulled back on the bellows that attaches to the steering arm a lot of fluid came out."
It is supposed to be dry in there. You need to replace the steering rack or reseal it. Typically a reseal does not hold because the rack bushings are worn also. I would just replace it with a ZF refurb. unit.
Mark
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QUESTION: Thank you so much mark just a few more questions i tried to look for a ZF refurb but i couldn't find one for a 1999 volvo s80 also could i replace the seals myself is it a hard job and lastly why are 1999 volvo s80 steering racks so much more that the 2000 or 2001 is there a difference. Thank you I appreciate all your help
Answer Garrett, could i replace the seals myself is it a hard job (Do not attempt yourself. You would need some special tools that you do not have. The reason the seals are bad is that the rack bushings are worn/loose. You need major machining equipment to handle that)and lastly why are 1999 volvo s80 steering racks so much more that the 2000 or 2001 is there a difference.(You need to check with your parts vendor or dealer to answer that. Sometimes they are the same physically, but the mount setup is different, thus a different part #. Sometimes you can just reuse the old mounts.) Go here: www.ramac.com and they should be able to help you.
Mark
