Power steering advice please

Flyingbathtub · Jun 24th, 2020, 19:45

55 plate xc70 163bhp.

When the engine is running and the steering turned and held in any position, it occasionally feels as though the steering is being momentarily 'snatched' back in the opposite direction. This does not happen when turning the wheel, only when the steering wheel is held stationary in an off centre position. Any ideas what could be causing this? Hope this description makes some sense, thank you in advance.

cheshired5 · Jun 24th, 2020, 22:13

First job is to check the pas fluid level, colour and clarity.
On a cold engine, it needs to be at the cold level maximum, be bright green and clear.

oragex · Jun 25th, 2020, 00:31

See as above, then from another member, it may be the pump. Because nothing is sure talking remotely, if you want to replace the pump I suggest getting a used one

Flyingbathtub · Jun 25th, 2020, 06:53

When cold the fluid is at the maximum level, but it's red not green!

John97Tdi · Jun 25th, 2020, 08:53

I'd check your manual to make sure but I'm almost certain the PS fluid should be green (Pentosin?) in a 55 XC so its possible a PO or garage has refilled the system with red ATF/PS fluid by mistake. If so you may get away with several drains and refills with the right fluid but from what I've read in the past there is a danger that seals in the PS system can be damaged if the wrong fluid is used.

Best of luck

John

oragex · Jun 25th, 2020, 14:54

Yes, Pentosin CHF 11 or 202 is a pale green

MisterGee19 · Jun 27th, 2020, 19:32

I have a similar issue.

Research i have done on the matter seem to point to it being the steering rack, or rather a valve in it sticking. (cant find the specific info at the moment)
As im not loosing any fluid, im just living with it for now...

But as others have said above, the fluid should be Pentosin/CHF-II which is green.

Red fluid is incorrect and will eventually ruin the seals on the steering rack.

sadsack · Jul 5th, 2020, 16:51

I had the same thing 18 months ago, fluid was correct type (green) and the correct level. I lived with it as it didn't seem to affect the car, until it got to MOT time. It was failed as being power steering malfunctioning.
I had to have it replaced by Volvo. The difference was immediately apparent. Prepare your wallet if it goes the same way.

Darlo 1 · Jul 5th, 2020, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadsack

I had the same thing 18 months ago, fluid was correct type (green) and the correct level. I lived with it as it didn't seem to affect the car, until it got to MOT time. It was failed as being power steering malfunctioning.
I had to have it replaced by Volvo. The difference was immediately apparent. Prepare your wallet if it goes the same way.

Mine has the same pulsing, never even an advisory on the last 4 mot tests.

MisterGee19 · Jul 7th, 2020, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadsack

I had the same thing 18 months ago, fluid was correct type (green) and the correct level. I lived with it as it didn't seem to affect the car, until it got to MOT time. It was failed as being power steering malfunctioning.
I had to have it replaced by Volvo. The difference was immediately apparent. Prepare your wallet if it goes the same way.

Was it the rack or the pump?

Jun 24th, 2020, 19:45	#1
Flyingbathtub Junior Member Last Online: Feb 17th, 2023 19:18 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Newcastle	Power steering advice please 55 plate xc70 163bhp. When the engine is running and the steering turned and held in any position, it occasionally feels as though the steering is being momentarily 'snatched' back in the opposite direction. This does not happen when turning the wheel, only when the steering wheel is held stationary in an off centre position. Any ideas what could be causing this? Hope this description makes some sense, thank you in advance.

Jun 24th, 2020, 22:13	#2
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	First job is to check the pas fluid level, colour and clarity. On a cold engine, it needs to be at the cold level maximum, be bright green and clear. __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Jun 25th, 2020, 00:31	#3
oragex Premier Member Last Online: Jul 26th, 2021 21:24 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Coldnada	See as above, then from another member, it may be the pump. Because nothing is sure talking remotely, if you want to replace the pump I suggest getting a used one __________________ Several Volvo Repair Videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ECTts0FSVSOT_c

Jun 25th, 2020, 14:54	#6
oragex Premier Member Last Online: Jul 26th, 2021 21:24 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Coldnada	Yes, Pentosin CHF 11 or 202 is a pale green __________________ Several Volvo Repair Videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ECTts0FSVSOT_c

Jun 25th, 2020, 06:53	#4
Flyingbathtub Junior Member Last Online: Feb 17th, 2023 19:18 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Newcastle	When cold the fluid is at the maximum level, but it's red not green!

Jun 25th, 2020, 08:53	#5
John97Tdi Master Member Last Online: Today 18:19 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rochdale	I'd check your manual to make sure but I'm almost certain the PS fluid should be green (Pentosin?) in a 55 XC so its possible a PO or garage has refilled the system with red ATF/PS fluid by mistake. If so you may get away with several drains and refills with the right fluid but from what I've read in the past there is a danger that seals in the PS system can be damaged if the wrong fluid is used. Best of luck John

Jun 27th, 2020, 19:32	#7
MisterGee19 Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2024 21:43 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: manchester	I have a similar issue. Research i have done on the matter seem to point to it being the steering rack, or rather a valve in it sticking. (cant find the specific info at the moment) As im not loosing any fluid, im just living with it for now... But as others have said above, the fluid should be Pentosin/CHF-II which is green. Red fluid is incorrect and will eventually ruin the seals on the steering rack.

Jul 5th, 2020, 16:51	#8
sadsack Junior Member Last Online: Nov 5th, 2023 16:33 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: chelmsford	I had the same thing 18 months ago, fluid was correct type (green) and the correct level. I lived with it as it didn't seem to affect the car, until it got to MOT time. It was failed as being power steering malfunctioning. I had to have it replaced by Volvo. The difference was immediately apparent. Prepare your wallet if it goes the same way.

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