where is the fluid going
 

Hi, I have a 1998 V70 and three months ago fitted a recon steering rack purchased from a reputable company in Newcastle.
I drive about 200 miles a week and after three weeks I noticed the steering became heavy. I checked the fluid level which had dropped so topped-up. Again a couple of weeks later it needed topping-up again. This has continued to date.
The power steering pump is quiet and there are no noises when turning the wheel except on full lock and I know the steering stop locks need greasing.
I have looked at the rack and can find no sign of leaking fluid.
I thought perhaps the fluid was finding its own level within the system but it now seems excessive.
Would anyone please have any ideas as to what might be wrong.
The rack is under a 12 months guarantee but I want to avoid hassle should the remedy be simple. many thanks jack

Check the ram reals, the ones that are in the rack behind the gators.
Might be filling them up with fluid if there's no obvious leaks.
Not many companies seem able to recon a rack well in my experience.

Hi Byootox, Many thanks for that. I assume the ram seals should not be filling up with fluid. Would you know whether I can buy these parts and repair. I have seen the "bellows" on ebay, are these what I need. Can the parts be fitted by a mechanic or is specialist equipment needed. Thanks jack

partsforvolvoonline do a rebuild kit for the p80 racks.

No special tools, just regular ones and circlip pliers by the looks. ive got one to do myself as ive got some lash in the pinion on my old rack. might do a write up if I get a chance

Dunc

No.. the bellows/gators isn't the problem here.
There is seals inside the rack that start to go it's these that are the problem.

Mine's been leaking for 160,000 miles, but not by much. Usaul cause is not using the proper grade fluid. Pentosin CHF 11S, anything else rots the seals. Mine had wrong stuff in there. Caught it jsut in time.

Now I top-up every 2000 miles or once amonth. If you've not let it get too bad, a bottle of fiuld every six months is cheaper than a rack.

I put a Magnefine in mine 3/8" and that also helped. (if you drive it, put one on your auto too).

Hi CNGBjfuel, Thanks for that. Is Pentosin the makers name and is the fluid green. Thanks jack