Our power steering has gotten very hard to turn lately (especially at low speeds like in the driveway). There is a small leak of fluid at the end of the rack, and the fluid often gets low, which I have to keep refilling. But, I've had that problem for years without any loss of function. Due to the constant leaking and refilling, the fluid is somewhat foamy with a lot of air bubbles. This also is not necessarily new.

So, what has changed so that now it's hard to turn the wheel? Is it air in the system due to the air bubbles? Are the seals on the piston shot so that the fluid is just pushing by? Is my pump not generating the necessary pressure?

What are the likely sources of the problem, how do I test to see which it is, and how do I correct this?

Thanks for your input.

Typically this is signs of hydraulic pressure getting past the rack seal(s). The fluid will obviously take the path of least resistance and flow past the seal and not move your wheels. The rack is not that expensive nor that difficult to replace on these vehicles. I got my rebuilt unit from Meridian online.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 083,228 and 1995 964 154,100

Some of the most common leaks are into the boots covering the inner tie rods, around the input seal where the steering connects to the rack, the hard lines on the rack itself, the high pressure line (usually at the rack) and from the front of the power steering pump behind the pulley. Place clean cardboard under the car and look for drips.

Any leaks on the rack itself except for the hard lines (which can be replaced separately) are usually a sign that there's a rebuilt rack in your future...

Good luck!