New member - Heavy steering

[hardcastlephil]

Good evening,

I'm new here, having bought a phase 3 2008 V70 last month. It's a wonderful car but I noticed that the steering was heavy, mainly at tickover. I suspected the pump as after giving it some revs it improved. With it been auto it's hard to give revs when parking!

I did some research on the forum and read about the power steering reservoir filter become blocked, so today I pumped the contents out using an old fuel pump and then took it off and cleaned it out as best I can using petrol and then an air line. There seemed to be lots of sludge and the contents of the bottle was very sludgy - I couldn't make out the colour but it wasn't green!

I've put new in and then flushed it through (about 5 times) until what is in there is now green. There's a huge improvement, although it's still not perfect at low revs. Might it improve or am I looking at a new pump? If so is it going to be expensive? I live near Beverley Easy Yorks so any Volvo specialist recommendations would be appreciated.

On a slightly different note I'll need the cambelt dong this year. My local indie said 'around £300' - does that sound about right?

Thanks in advance.

Phil

[green van man]

There was a problem where the power steering fluid attacked the metal pipes and caused damage to both pump and rack on these cars, sometimes fluid change was good enough, other times new pump rack and pipes were needed to cure it.

Because of this I change the fluid every 2 years, may not stop the fluid attacking the metal pipes but clears the system and stops the pump and rack getting damaged.

In your position I would run it for a bit and flush it again as you seem to of acquired a build up of sludge, then decide if it's good enough or are you going to spend a wad of cash to have it as it should be.

£300 for a cam belt seems reasonable especially if the auxiliary belts and tensioner are included in the job. Aux belt and tensioner is changed at half can belt intervals so if cam belt needed so is second aux belt.

Aux belt tensioner is the achilies heel of these engines, neglect at your peril, plenty of threads on the horrors of this belt failing. At Volvo cam and aux belts is a £900+ service. A new head is £2000 and an engine £5000 if it fails. I err on the side of caution and change early.

Paul.

[Model flyer]

As Green Van Man says if the metal particles that flake off the pipe internally have been circulating a long time then they have probably damaged both the pump and the rack seals . If steering is too heavy look around for a power steering re-conditioners. I have used them in the past and have been pleased with the results and the price . Failing that a breakers who give a warranty on parts is an option. The last thing you want is for it to fail completely as a V70 with no power steering is almost un-steerable unless your built like Desperate Dan !

On my last V70 I added Slick 50 power steering additive as pump was a bit noisy. It totally cured the noise and steering was lighter . Might be worth a try as nothing to loose. It claims will mix with any power steering fluid.

Good luck

[hardcastlephil]

Thank you - all info very helpful.

I had a feeling it would be a recon rack job. Its much, much better since the flush and is okay to drive, but hard work if you're shunting and creeping on the autobox rather than using the accelerator.

There's another volvo specialist in Hull I've seen, so will swing by in the next few weeks to talk about doing the cambelt and maybe pump/rack.

I'm reasonably competent mechanically - is changing the pump/rack a DIY job or just not worth the hassle?

Thanks again,

Phil

[green van man]

The rack is involved as I believe the engine has to be lifted, or the sub frame dropped to give clearance for the rack to be removed. Not sure which as not done the job.
If when it comes to it I would probably do it myself due to the labour costs.

From experience on a P1 v70 the rack pipe unions can sieze, Volvo snapped mine when removing the sump to renew the oil pump gasket, new pipes and rack required. They fitted for free but parts were £200+ and car spent two days at the garage.

Paul.

[Sahodgson]

Hi, I’m in Beverley, East Yorkshire.... I recommend Moto-Go at the bottom of Grovehill Road (near the ship yard)... ex Volvo master mechanic, half the price of the stealers (at least).

S.