Power steering conditioner

[Davy8or]

I have a 2010 Volvo Penta SX-A drive with the 5.0 GXi-C motor and I have an issue with power steering fluid leaking out to the bilge. I see no leaks in any of the plumbing and none from the pump. The leaking seems to come somewhere from behind the engine where I can't get to. I highly suspect it is coming from the steering cylinder. The only way to remove and service this steering cylinder is to pull the engine.

My question is- has anyone had success in using a power steering fluid conditioner? I'm currently leaking about maybe 1/2-3/4 pint every 10 hours and it makes a nasty mess in the bilge. I know that these kinds of conditioners are usually frowned upon by mechanics because they can often cause more trouble than they solve, but in this case where it's so damn difficult to service, maybe a little might help? Has anyone tried it with success?

Thanks for the help!

 

[monster1]

That's a lot of fluid loss. I was only losing enough to puddle in the steering actuator housing bracket. I tried stop leak and it swelled the seals so bad that made the leak worse. If you have fluid getting out, you have air getting in. That's not good. Leak stopper probably won't fix your issue, but it's worth a try. What you really need to do is replace the oil and wiper seals in the actuator to fix it properly. Unfortunately, you'd have to pull your engine in your case . In mine, I have an offshore boat which allowed me just enough room to pull the actuator without engine removal. I was able to use an upgraded seal kit which allowed me to rebuild my actuator to better than new. Spending 5-6 hundred or more on a new actuator that would most likely develop the same issue made no sense to me. Let us know what you decide.

 

[Bondo]

I know that these kinds of conditioners are usually frowned upon by mechanics because they can often cause more trouble than they solve, but in this case where it's so damn difficult to service, maybe a little might help?

Ayuh,..... Snake oil,...... Fix it Right,.....

 

[Davy8or]

Ayuh,..... Snake oil,...... Fix it Right,.....

I would love to fix it right. If only they had built the boat right...

 

[Bondo]

I would love to fix it right. If only they had built the boat right...

Ayuh,..... That's why I love rebuildin ole hulls,.... I Bondoize 'em,.....

Lookin' through the eyes of a Mechanic, there's rarely a bolt I can't get a wrench on when I'm done,.....

Maybe ya got a tiny friend who's double-jointed,.......

 

[QBhoy]

Is it maybe a chance of being power trim oil ? Same stuff really

 

[Davy8or]

Is it maybe a chance of being power trim oil ? Same stuff really

No, that leaked previously. The trim reservoir, pump and everything else is located on the water side of the transom. I repaired that leak a couple of years ago. This leak is on the engine side of the transom. I'm 99% certain it's the steering cylinder seals. I guess they are known for being crappy.