My 1995 850 Turbo has a leaking power stering rack (driver's side). Do I: 1) Replace the power steering rack (expensive); 2) Rebuild the rack (where do I get the parts); 3) Replace the seals in the rack (where do I get the seals).

Also - The Haynes book glosses over the removal of the rack - any hints?

Mike

Does anyone know if there are any warning signs that appear before a power steering leak HAS to be fixed? A couple months ago I was hearing a grinding noise on hard left turns. The mechanic mentioned a leak in power steering fluid, and that it could ultimately require replacement of the power steering rack. He didn't recommend doing it immediately, but instead topped off the fluid, and I haven't heard any noises since. I also park my car inside after after hour-long trips and there is no leak of fluids on the floor.

Need to replace mine also. I have tried some power steer sealer in the fluid and it work OK in warm weather, but when it gets cold, I get leaks. MAybe this will get you by for awhile. I have bee ntold by aftermarket sellers that its a good idea to get the OE Volvo rack, not a replacement part. Not sure about the price difference, but I found it interesting that a aftermarket supplier of Volvo parts told me this........

Good luck

MSmith: I had the same prob with my previous car, a 740gle, that was caused by negligence, i.e., i forgot to change the boot. Anyways, I found out it was easier to just replace it with a rebuilt rack which came with new set of boots. Make sure you get the wheels aligned after changing the rack. Got mine from http://www.jorgenauto.com folks.

yt850

Yona:
Is it an easy job to replace the boots on the steering rack?
If so, how many boots are on the rack, 2 or 4?

Thanks!

Mr. Detail:

As I recall, it only had two boots (it being my previous volvo, a 740, which is a RWD). The mechanic replaced the rebuilt one in under two hours (paid $88 for labor). I would have avoided 240(rebuilt rack)+88(labor)+60(wheel alignment)if i had gotten the boots replaced in time at not more than $120.

I think there are 4 boots in the 850 as it is a FWD, two for the steering/two for the driveshafts. Not sure though. check the haynes manual to be sure. Regardless, it is good habit to slide under the car and check the boots from time to time. i do it once a month.

yona

I have had the same problem for about a year. I have a 96 nonturbo. I had the seals replaced but they failed soon thereafter. My guess is the seal seats are pitted. At any rate, it looks like a pain to remove the rack (you have to drop the subframe) but it is do-able. A rebuilt rack is about $280 which isn't bad. I'm going to try it in about a month.

I have a feeling I will have to do just that. I will let you know how I progress.