Steering: 70: more steering rack problems

[jack taylor]

Hi, I have a 1998 V70. About 2 years ago I purchased a refurb TRW steering rack. After a year the steering became heavy so I put a bottle of Lucas Stop Leak in and problem solved. I was loosing fluid but not externally so not sure where it was going. Anyway leak stopped and steering light again. A few months ago steering again became heavy but no outwards signs of leaking fluid and no fluid is being lost. I am thinking of throwing in another bottle of Lucas or buying a repair kit. Should I go the kit route do I need any special tools.
Could the system need bleeding or do the racks bleed themselves. I have checked tyre pressures and they are fine.I would very much appreciate opinions please. thanks jack.

[volvo again]

Not 100% certain, but I think you need to support engine and lower the subframe, remove anti roll bar etc.
Could be quite a job especially if you only have jack & stands...
Actually replacing the seals shouldn't be that hard...famous last word !!

[jack taylor]

Hi volvo again, many thanks for that. Before I get a kit fitted I need to explore the possible causes of the heavy steering given that the rack is not loosing fluid.jack

[huron]

Jack, just a thought. Isn't there a spacer that goes between the middle rack mount and the chassis. Is it in place? If not it might be bending the rack and causing friction. As I say, just a thought.
Hugh

[volvo again]

If the rack is not leaking I don't see any point in replacing seals. To bleed air out of the system, run engine and slowly turn steering from lock to lock a few times, this will remove any air, easier if the car is raised to save tyres scrubbing...or drive front wheels onto a couple of old magazines - old trick, lets the tyres slip round easier.
Is there any foaming or bubbles in the fluid reservoir when running? This usually indicates air.
Is the steering stiff or just heavy?
Stiff steering could be a number of reasons, faulty rack, faulty pump, steering joints worn or damaged, especially track rod ball joints, steering column u/j's worn, old thick fluid, worn drive belt...
You've checked tyre pressures, that is the no.1 reason for heavy steering

[jack taylor]

Hi guys, Thank you both very much for the info. The steering is heavy but lightens up at speed. It`s as though I have 10lbs psi in the tyres. When the rack was fitted my mechanic also changed the inner and outer track rod ends and all 4 wheels were tracked. There is no noise from the pump. I have nothing to loose by adding the Lucas oil and then bleeding. Could the pump be faulty yet still remain quiet. I would very much appreciate your further opinions. thanks jack.