Repair or move on?

[EddV70]

I'm just looking for opinions whilst I think of what to do.

I've got a 2005 V70 D5 with 172k on the clock. It's been running fine apart from the following issues;

- went to get the air con regased and have told theres a leak in the condensor.
- whilst under the car taking a look at the condensor I noticed an oil leak - which looks like power steering fluid from around the steering rack area. (I need to get the car on a ramp really to get a better look.)

The steering fluid leak has moved to the priority, but I'd like to get the AC sorted as well, but neither of them seem that straight forward a job.

I'm a competent home mechanic but both jobs appear to require a lot of part removal for access which always leads to issues with broken clips and seized bolts etc.

Opinions - worth doing/getting those jobs done and better the devil you know? Or time to find something with a few less miles?

[T5R92011]

The power steering leak can be an involved job depending on where it's leaking from. Mine is leaking from the input/output pipes directly going to the rack, so would need to lower the subfame to sort that leak (replace o-ring/retighten)

I just keep the power steering fluid topped up. Mine has been leaking since the day I bought it (and probably much longer with the previous owner), and has gone through two MOTs with the leak (though I do wipe the subframe down before MOT test) and it has never been mentioned. Mine is quite high mileage though (430k!) so I can happily live with the leak for now. If you do choose to top up, make sure you buy the Volvo spec P/S fluid not just normal fluid as that is known to eat the seals.

My AC is also bone dry when it comes to refridgerant and I can't see me putting any effort in to fix that any time soon.

These cars are tough as old boots so I wouldnt let those two things usher me to sell the car if Im honest. You've got time to save up to get the leak fixed.

[Spike56]

Every owner of every vintage car (or vintage cars that you like) asked the same question at some point!
Do you love your car? How much?

[EddV70]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

The power steering leak can be an involved job depending on where it's leaking from. Mine is leaking from the input/output pipes directly going to the rack, so would need to lower the subfame to sort that leak (replace o-ring/retighten)

I just keep the power steering fluid topped up. Mine has been leaking since the day I bought it (and probably much longer with the previous owner), and has gone through two MOTs with the leak (though I do wipe the subframe down before MOT test) and it has never been mentioned. Mine is quite high mileage though (430k!) so I can happily live with the leak for now. If you do choose to top up, make sure you buy the Volvo spec P/S fluid not just normal fluid as that is known to eat the seals.

My AC is also bone dry when it comes to refridgerant and I can't see me putting any effort in to fix that any time soon.

These cars are tough as old boots so I wouldnt let those two things usher me to sell the car if Im honest. You've got time to save up to get the leak fixed.

I've got a feeling the racks leaking from a similar location as yours, but I had assumed it would be an MOT failure. I regularly topping up at the moment with the right (I think) green stuff!

I've gone soft and not having a functioning AC bugs me. Long motorway journeys in the summer are much more pleasant with the AC nice and cold.

Cheers

[EddV70]

Originally Posted by Spike56

Every owner of every vintage car (or vintage cars that you like) asked the same question at some point!
Do you love your car? How much?

It's a V70 ..... love is a little strong!

I do like the car but have zero attachment to it, but would swap it for another V70 as they just suit my needs.

[Bashy]

Originally Posted by EddV70

I've got a feeling the racks leaking from a similar location as yours, but I had assumed it would be an MOT failure. I regularly topping up at the moment with the right (I think) green stuff!

I've gone soft and not having a functioning AC bugs me. Long motorway journeys in the summer are much more pleasant with the AC nice and cold.

Cheers

Not an MOT fail, i too have the same leak and gone through 2 MOTS with advisory on PSF leak.

BTW, i use Lucas leak stop and i think it may have finally cleared up the leak, its taken a few bottles mind but ive not had to refill in a while now

[EddV70]

Originally Posted by Bashy

Not an MOT fail, i too have the same leak and gone through 2 MOTS with advisory on PSF leak.

BTW, i use Lucas leak stop and i think it may have finally cleared up the leak, its taken a few bottles mind but ive not had to refill in a while now

Is the Lucas product ok with the green CHF power steering fluid? I didn't think there were any additives compatible with it?

[Bashy]

Originally Posted by EddV70

Is the Lucas product ok with the green CHF power steering fluid? I didn't think there were any additives compatible with it?

I asked Lucas and they confirmed it is ok...

[oragex]

If the rack is leaking at the rack seals then move on. Someone will buy it for not much and be willing to put the money to have it fixed

[CharlesStevenson]

Originally Posted by oragex

If the rack is leaking at the rack seals then move on. Someone will buy it for not much and be willing to put the money to have it fixed

If you are considering disposing of the car then here's the collection company I've used for a few cars over the years.

You can input your car's reg & your postcode onto this page & (assuming they cover your area) you'll get an agreed figure.

https://www.redcorn.co.uk/

FWIW scrap values have steadily risen between Nov to date as I was tracking my ex car's value.

It's worth checking this for yours so as to underwrite your decision either way.