I've escaped power steering issues with my Volvos so I am behind the learning curve on this. I took my 87 240 in for some AC work. After I picked it up, I noticed on the way home that PS growl you get when you are low of fluid. I topped it off when I got home. I had never needed to add PS fluid previously, as in, not ever.

There is no PS fluid leak when the car is sitting up. (no fluid leaks on the driveway) After I drive 100-150 miles, I notice it is a little low.

If I run the AC for 20 minutes, almost all the PS fluid drains out. I know, of course, that the AC and PS units run on the same belts.

What should be my first step in solving this problem? Any help you could give me would be appreciated. Can't see an immediate answer in Bentley or Haynes.

(the shop where I took the car for AC work is a reputable shop and if I call them and explain, they will-- with no question-- take the car back in and try to correct the problem. I'd just rather do it myself if I can.)

Wiglaf