Heavy steering?

[Jimmy90]

Hard question as subjective but how heavy is your steering. My 2010 rdesign has always been heavy when stationary. I used to be a builder and still have a good amount of upper strength but I can't turn the wheel (when stationary for example) one handed like I can most other cars with power steering. Even both hands takes effort. It's this a characteristic of these cars (19 inch wheels)

I had my rack refurbished in 2019 and now feels like it is going again. If turning the wheel a small amount when stationary either way I get a slight click. This can be felt whilst driving on some right corners.
I'm wondering if my pump is not working correctly placing stress on things.

Any thoughts welcome.

Due to covid I've only done 7000 miles I would guess since rack was done and only had 1years warranty

[Jimmy90]

.... I should have mentioned the steering has seemed heavy since I purchased mid 2019.having only driven one XC90 I have nothing to compare to

[Tannaton]

You should be able to turn it with one finger through the steering wheel - even when stationary.

Do you get a whining noise that changes pitch when turning the wheel? If so try changing the fluid.

I would personally rather fit a good second hand rack then a refurbished one (unless the refurb has come from Volvo).

Also try turning the steering wheel with the engine off (but with ignition on so steering doesn't lock) and then on - there should be a world of difference to the effort needed.

[AB-UK]

My steering wheel has been similarly stiff as the OP describes since new, although it can be turned one-handed in small increments with just a little effort.
It isn't a hinderance though.

Probably related to the 19" wheels and the friction with the ground.

My other half has a Kona EV and you can easily turn the steering wheel with one hand (or a strong finger even) as the power steering is very light.

[Moose Test]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

You should be able to turn it with one finger through the steering wheel - even when stationary.

^^That

With the R-Design, you have the same Servotronic (speed sensitive) steering setup as fitted to the earlier 'Sport' models, one of which I own. When I first bought it, I could barely move the wheel with one hand. The dealer replaced the rack and now it's as Tannaton describes. If you can't move it very, very easily at rest, then it's 'not right'. Wheel size doesn't come into it really- my V8 has the widest tyres factory fitted to an XC90 and the steering is still as light as a feather.

Speculation: If you can feel a physical 'jump' during travel, then I'd suspect the rack is worn/failed, before I'd consider the pump. Although if you have the kit it's worth checking the pressure as a matter of course.