Volvo: Steering Problems, volvo s80, hose repair

Question
Hello,

I hopefully you can help me. I own a 99 volvo S80 2.9L. Im at 163K miles it. The other day I experienced a noises in the steering column. I open the Steering resovoir. No fluid. I top it up and everything was fine for about 15 minutes. Look under the car and it leaked the fluid. I now have to power steering. Looks like either the PS hoses or worst the PS pump. I am on a tight tight budget. Is there a sealant fluid that can fix this? What is the quickest way to determine what I a dealing with here and cheapest remedy for getting me back on the road.

thanks in advance for your help.

Franklin

Answer
Franklin,
First get the car up in the air and wipe off as much oil as possible. Add fluid and start the car watch to see what the leak is. There is no "cheap" way to stop the leak. No stop leak is recommended, most times they are a waste of money. You might try to  buy used parts to make the repairs.  If it is a hose most can be taken to a hose repair shop and they can replace the rubber and re-crimp the ends.