Power steering return line from rack leaks - '02 V70XC

[jrschwit]

I recently purchased this as a fixer-upper knowing it had a major PS leak. Turns out the left rear motor mount bolts sheared, dropping the rear of the engine about 1 1/2 inches. The rear driveshaft CV flange rested hard on the return line and ground through. Resulted in fluid loss and subsequent seizing of PS pump and thrown serpentine belt. Motor mount has been repaired and the pump replaced.

Questions: Though a replacement return line is available for reasonable cost, I'm toying with the idea of cutting the hard line near the connection to the rack and replacing the rest with rubber hose. Major downside I envision is the loss of the cooling loop in the hard line in front of the subframe. Presumably Volvo had good reason for the extra expense of approx 34 inches of additional tubing which is located near an air scoop in the underpan. How big a risk am I taking of overheating the PS oil? I don't expect this car to be on the road for many thousands more miles; primary use will be local daily driver for grandkids.

What is the purpose of the vertical plastic U-shaped part on the front of the rack steering column? Nothing was attached to it on my car.

Based on the casting marks, is this rack likely to be OEM?

Thanks for any comments
Jim

[jonesg]

its already out, i'd swap in a new line.
Removal and reinstall is 99.99999 of the work.
Any bodge repair that fails...its just not worth it.
A proper custom repair would be done at a hydraulic repair shop with high pressure fitting with flare on the pipe ends to prevent blowing out.
A new hose is way cheaper. i paid less than $60 for the new hose on amazon.