We were given a 1987 Volvo 240 a couple of years ago by the brother-in-law for my son to drive while in HS. Well-used but pretty well maintained, but lately having some wear issues with front tires, even after alignment (outer corner wearing quick). Rack and Pinion is leaking a bit and worn. While looking at it to determine condition, noted a small hose coming from the steering shaft end of the rack to the passenger side end of the rack. Almost looks like a vacuum line. At the end of it is a small fitting, and a corresponding hole in the side of the rack. The fitting is not in the hole, may have snapped off or popped out, no fluid coming from it or the hole.

I only have a Chilton manual, and after much searching cannot find what this is for, there's another one that seems to be installed correctly closer to the driver's side of the rack.

I'm curious as to the purpose of this hose and whether or not I should attempt to get it back in the hole, as it's been out as far as I can tell since we've gotten the car. PS fluid has never gone down the entire time we've owned it. Just from a general look up of typical R&P setups it would appear it's one of the hydraulic lines feeding the cylinder, but the steering seems to be pretty light to turn, and the rack does not leak so I don't see how it could be. Any information or, a link with a schematic of this particular rack would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dan