V70: General V70 08 2.4D power steering pump problem

[stuntparrot]

I had a factory exchange steering pump fitted a few weeks ago to replace the original unit which was very noisy. Fluid had been leaking and bubbles were frothing up in the reservoir, suggesting air in the system.
The new unit is also very noisy. Bubbles in the fluid, but no leaks this time.
This suggests to me that it's air in the system, but the fluid level hasn't fallen and I can't think how air is getting in.
Any ideas, or have I got a (new) duff pump?

[gskowen]

Air in the oil suggests air is being sucked in by the pump whilst running, hence no oil leak, but bubbles in the reservoir. Also noisy pump is indicative of air in oil. Check all connections on suction side of system. A good trick is to smother area around hose connections and pump joints (gasketed areas) with shaving foam. You will soon see if it is getting sucked into system.Will require complete change of fluid afterwards, but leak should be found.

[stuntparrot]

Thanks.

I've just had word from Someone Who Knows.

Seems the fluid reservoir has a mesh baffle in the bottom and the cure is to wash it in petrol and blow it out, then add fresh fluid.

Guess who's not a happy chappy, having just forked out £500 for a new pump?

Hope this helps the next poor sod who encounters the problem.

[tommyweaves]

Can you not take it back to the place that did the replacement and get them to sort it out?

[stuntparrot]

Yes, have done but they're stumped. They aren't Volvo specialists but are very good generally, honest and fit me in with no notice when anything goes wrong, so I value them very much.

Anyway, the problem is now solved.

The baffle doesn't come out of the reservoir, it's a matter of removing it, filling it with petrol, then a lot of vigorous shaking of the reservoir, empty and repeat x several, then blow it out with an air line.

Bits of muck came out with the petrol; not much, but enough to **** up the flow it seems.

Glad I didn't lash out £500+ on a new pump. Oh, borrocks, I did...

Anyway, hope this helps anyone who encounters a noisy pump in future.

[ians]

my v70 made a strange whining when off throttle and gearing down took it to readview volvo who said it sounded like steering pump. When he looked in reservoir it had bubbles in so he filled it up and within 1 mile sound had gone but I should have took it back but its still okay. Will clean that filter after reading this post.