Steering Issues
 

I am having recurring steering issues with my 1998 V70R AWD. 55,000 miles.

When I first purchased the car 24 months ago the steering was stiff when moving the wheels lock to lock. This occurred with wheels on the ground and also on a ramp with the wheels free. It is best described as a stick slip vibration / juddering through the steering wheel, as if the rack or some other component of the steering was dry.
I checked all the tie rod ends and all were good and not seized. All other joints were good and the top strut bearings appeared OK. The pump reservoir was at the correct level.
After working the steering lock to lock with wheels off the ground pushing on the wheels, not using the steering wheel, it eased up and has been OK for 9 months, albeit slightly heavy compared to my previous T5R.

Three weeks ago the PS pump started making a whining noise when turning. The pitch rose as the engine revs increased and the noise became noticeably louder and the steering heavier over a two week period. With the car stationary and moving the steering slightly to left or right the noise was as if the pump was at hard lock and labouring. There are no leaks in the system.

I replaced the PS pump with a new one thinking it was at fault. The wining when turning is much less but still occurs intermittently on hard lock.
Another issue has arisen in that if I try to turn the wheel quickly the steering becomes very stiff / lumpy and almost locks up. Its OK on slow turns.

When changing the pump the fluid was reddish brown / black. I read in another post that the steering pipes can corrode and create swarf which blocks filters and pumps especially with old fluid.

Is it possible that something is blocking the rack internally?
Any suggestions before I start replacing strut bearings and steering rack?

Have a read of Petrohl34d's thread and see if it relates to your issue.

Thanks Baffler.
My rack has no play in it but it just feels heavy.

On the way home tonight the pump (new one) start whining briefly - engine still cold. It sounds similar to when the wheel is held at hard lock against the steering stop.

After talking to a few steering rack specialists I am beginning to think the rack needs a refurb or replacement. However, trying to find one in stock is proving difficult.

Hi Richard, For what its worth why not throw in a bottle of Lucas Stop Leak. At £17.00 you have nothing to lose. jack.

Before going down the refurb/replacement route (some folk have had negative results) I also think you should try Jack's recommendation and get some Lucas PAS Stop Leak in there as is has conditioners in it to help soften the seals and reduce those hard spots you speak of in your first post.

Out of interest what spec/brand of fluid do you have in there at present?

I think you might have a partially seized uj on the steering column which in turn is putting strain on the pump, just a thought.....

Cheers

J.

Hi Richard, just a thought but could there be air in the system. I read somewhere that this could produce heavy steering. jack

I'd second the suggestion that there is air entering the power steering system as that will produce the symptoms you have mentioned.

Hi Richard, Have a look on Matthews volvo forum which details how to bleed the steering system.

Thank you for all the suggestions.

Checked the fluid level again this morning and discovered it was down a bit but still on the dipstick. Topped it up again and ran the car - success.
Sounds like air was in the system and has taken some time to circulate out - steering no longer whines and is smooth.

Although there are no visible leaks, I have some Lucas stop leak on order as well to see if that helps with keeping it smooth.