My power steering return line somehow dropped down low enough to drag on the road and got a hole in it causing all of the fluid to leak out. This happened after the first 100 miles of a 250 mile trip. I finished the rest of the trip knowing that somthing was wrong but not knowing what.

After finding the damaged line, I spliced it using some copper tubing (same ID as hose so as not to restrict flow) and refilled the system. While trying to blead air out of the system (turning wheel), the splice blew apart spraying ps fluid every where. After fixing the splice the line blew off again where the return line connects to the pump. Talked to a mechanic friend who said that the rack was probably damaged from driving without fluid. The explaination was that the internal seals were damaged which was allowing high pressure fluid into the return side. I just installed a new rack and the problem is the same.

Is there somthing in the pump that is supposed to regulate pressure that could be damaged? Any other thoughts?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

I can sympathize. My wife went over something and caused the line to drag on the ground and wear a hole it in. What you want to find is a double barbed connection and use that to splice the two sections together. Use two hose clamps on either side. Not sure if the pump or the rack are damaged, but before I would get hyper about it I would try to patch the hose and refill and bleed the system first. If it isnt ok after than, then start worrying...
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97 S90 with 178K miles still going strong

There is a pressure relief valve in the pump that bypasses pressure when you exceed the recommended pressure. For example when you turn your wheels full lock and hold it there.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100

Thanks to eviltwin and DEWFPO for responding. It turned out to be some crud in the return line just before it goes into the pump. Cleaned it out and all is well.

You welcome. Did you replace the straight tube with the double barb? I tried using a piece of tubing, blew itself out. Double barb has been in there for a couple of years now.
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97 S90 with 178K miles still going strong

Thanks for letting us know what it was diesel dog.

Merry Christmas

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100