240 notchy steering - column wear?

[belugablack]

my 240's power steering is notchy in operation, it's smooth and then when turning into a junction can suddenly become stiff and it's disconcerting. I've already gone to the expense of having another rack fitted - so I am now thinking is it an issue with the PAS pump or is it like I had with a Golf mk3 where the column itself was at fault - could anyone tell me if they're known for wearing bushes and UJ's etc on the column -- i.e. is there a likely culprit that can be replaced before I go to the expense of finding a whole column - plus does anyone have a column they could sell me please?!

[czech240]

Get into the engine bay and give the UJ's a good squirt of lube...sorted mine out...5 min job...

[john h]

Could be the PAS belt slipping

John

[Clifford Pope]

As Czech240 says, its most likely to be the universal joints at the bottom of the column.

They may respond to a squirt of WD40, or it may take more prolonged attention, with repeated application of something better, like Plus Gas or PB Blaster.
In the worst case you have to disconnect the link and waggle the joints over a much greater angle, alternately applying heat and then more Gas. And you may then find that having eliminated the rust that was binding them, you reveal that they are worn.

[migrator]

I fixed this sort of thing on an old car by removing the UJ and taking it clubbing (i spoke to it with a club hammer) and applying some lubricants. The UJs are in a 'hot' area and can get dry and stiff.

[The Hooded Claw]

Wot has already bin said ^^^^^ its the Universal Joint located just above yer feet (In the Engine bay) they do Stiffen up somewhat due to the HOT environment they have to "Live in" ..

Good spraying with Luub & yer should to OK again ..

Keith

[classicswede]

Sounds like the UJ's. When teh pumps fail the steering will randomly go stiff and have no relation to how much lock is used.

[belugablack]

Thanks for all the response - in the past on other forums I've left posts and had no replies at all, so what a friendly bunch you are. On the one hand I'm pleased that I won't need a column or pump by the sound of it, on the other miffed that I've had a rack fitted when it wasn't needed grrr. Will let you know how I get on with the UJ fiddling.

[czech240]

Originally Posted by belugablack

Thanks for all the response - in the past on other forums I've left posts and had no replies at all, so what a friendly bunch you are. On the one hand I'm pleased that I won't need a column or pump by the sound of it, on the other miffed that I've had a rack fitted when it wasn't needed grrr. Will let you know how I get on with the UJ fiddling.

A lesson learned......Always check the simple things first!! :-) Presuming a good dousing of lube does the trick!

[belugablack]

You were spot on chaps so my 244GLT is progressing. Many thanks, indeed it was a stuck/seized UJ, nice and confidence inspiring to steer again.

Now got the headache of getting the brakes replaced - only to find I've gone and bought ATE discs and it looks like I've a Lucas-Girling system - and it's too late to get a refund. This is such a ridiculous state of affairs with 80s Volvo's, my 740 Turbo was the same, the main dealer cannot even tell you what system you have from your VIN number!

Finally I think a new clutch kit is in order, then I might just use the car as my winter wheels as it's looking so much better after a whole day's cleaning.

Cosmetically I have just fitted new headlamp reflector kits and now have sparkly headlamps, such a transformation from the glum black-eye look, added all clear front indicators too from Germany and the car looks so much less grandaddy, some old Volvo duffers may frown upon such subtle enhancements but it's worth it as makes the car look more up to date, imported some of the red/clear rear lenses from the states and am itching it fit those.

Needed new mid and rear exhaust sections too so managed to track down the special GLT "L -shaped" tailpipe that exits straight out of the rear valance rather than the S-shaped cheapo DL thing most have fitted now.... it's all in the detail folks!