Hello,

I have a '99 XC with a 120,000 miles on it. I find that every year or so, I have to replace the cap on the power steering reservoir. I'll find a fine mist of ATF fluid spraying from underneath the cap onto the reservoir, and then it leaks down the side. I've check the level of ATF/power steering fluid to make sure it is not over filled. I've also checked to make sure there isn't a crack in the reservoir itself (though I have replaced it once or twice, where a leak developed along the seam). I now have a plastic bag that contains 4 "old Power Steering Reservoir caps" and it looks like I'll be adding #5 soon.

When I first install a new power steering fluid cap, the spray/leak from the cap stops for a while. But then it returns again. It seems that at the cap gets "used" i.e. the twisting motion of opening/closing of the cap, a "trench" develops in the green colored gasket that lines the inside of the cap. The trench becomes deep enough over time to allow ATF/power steering fluid to get passed it. At least that's my theory. Still, I have two '96 850s with 200K and 300K miles on them, and I'm still using the original power steering caps on each car.

Has any one else had this experience? If so, other than buying another cap and needlessly enriching my local Volvo dealer, does any one have any suggestions? Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

Hugh

I have never had that problem, thank you. I also never hold the wheels at max turn for more than a second. It almost sounds like you are holding the wheel too tight when trying to squeeze your car into a parking stall. There is a hole in the top of the cap to allow pressure to escape, could that be where the fluid is leaking from?

I worked on a frozen PS line, temp around 0F, where turning the wheel too much caused a little gyser!! A warm up and fluid flush cured it.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Hello Klaus,

Thank you for your reply. I don't drive this car exclusively (my "bride" of 18 years drives it half the time)and although she doesn't "baby cars" I can't say she regularly "pins" the steering wheel to the left or right.

Temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either, because these caps have leaked at different times in the year. Also, though I don't think this has any effect, I did install a Magnefine in-line filter in the hose leading to the power steering reservoir (I have another Magnefine in-line filter install for the transmission too). The in-line filter for the power steering line was installed years ago. I replace it every 30,000 miles (though according to the manufacturer, its effective life is 50,000 or 60,000 miles).

My basis of comparison are my two '96 850 wagons, where leaking power steering caps has never been an issue.

Hugh

Perhaps under full 'lock and load', the filter could be causing a slight restriction? The only way to tell is to have someone turn the wheel to full lock and you watch the cap. Especially effective when the temperature is cold and the ATF is like syrup.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Klaus

Thanks!

Hugh