Here's a picture of the hose I'm talking about:


This is on the passenger side of the car (left hand drive). I noticed this hose was leaking power steering fluid out when we were initially moving the car (this is my project car). I asked on reddit and got some meh answers. Someone told me it was an equalization line? I'm thinking it's a return line as it goes back to the pump at the base of the steering column.

Anyway, the hose is super hard. It feels like a plastic cup, which I'm thinking isn't right. There's no way to stretch it to fit it on there.

I've come to the conclusion that this hose is going to have to be replaced. I did some searching online for diagrams of the power steering rack but found nothing. Also, if this hose is gonna be some genuine expensive as hell Volvo part, is there anything I'll be able to use as an alternative since I really really don't want to have to drop that kinda cash for some dumb rubber/plastic line.

 

" I'm thinking it's a return line as it goes back to the pump at the base of the steering column."

That hose goes to the other side of the rack to keep the air pressure in the boots the same - steer left air gets pushed to the other side and vice versa.

If Atf is leaking from it - the rack is leaking, OK I would suspect that after XX years. You can replace the hose if you wish - but that 's not what is causing an atf leak.

 

So do you think I need a new rack or will I be able to get by with replacing this hose and living with the self-lubricating chassis system?

 

How much atf are you putting in? A quart every 6 months for $6 versus a replacement rack for many hundreds. What would I do - I'd top up my power steering when needed.

 

Gotcha. Any suggestions for the hose replacement?