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Just wanted to share some new findings.
Two nights ago my power steering went out.
Hoping the problem was just low fluid level I muscled my way home like it was the 1950's before cars had power steering... as I got out of the car after parallel parking I saw a lot of fluid on the ground.
Fearing the worst, -that it might be the end seals on the power steering rack- And I was in for a rebuild or an expensive replacement I still hoped it was going to be an easy fix like a loose hose clamp. The hoses from pump to rack and the junction where the two hoses go in and return from the rack are caked in power steering fluid from an extremely slow leak over the years.
Turns out the accordion boots going to the tie rods are dry and the end seals are doing their job.
but .. there is a pinhole leak on the exterior metal oil line (1 of 2) that is only noticeable under pressure from pump. And to throw me off a bit further the jet from this pinhole was spraying the junction of the hoses at the rack, which were in pristine condition with copper seals doing their job and not leaking at all.
Could be worse for an original 30 year old Volvo stamped steering rack.
I'm posting this because I've read lots about end seals in the rack failing, or pumps and hoses leaking, but never the metal oil lines on the exterior of the rack. I suppose anything is possible.
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