Steering fault

[850Chris]

Power steering going light then heavy mid corner, pump whining on full lock, loosing fluid steadily and weeping at left hand end of steering rack. I think this may be an expensive one! Any suggestions before I head to the garage on Monday (car won't be used)?

[850Chris]

Diagnosis, new steering rack required! Ah well, coincided with the M.O.T which was otherwise passed with flying colours. Not bad for a 13 year old car on 150,000 miles.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by 850Chris

Diagnosis, new steering rack required! Ah well, coincided with the M.O.T which was otherwise passed with flying colours. Not bad for a 13 year old car on 150,000 miles.

IF its any concellation, my work colleague had the same on his 7 year old 60k miles S40 so your reasult is really not bad, considering mileage

[FunkyMelon]

Dare I ask how much this one cost?

[dcw]

Originally Posted by 850Chris

Diagnosis, new steering rack required! Ah well, coincided with the M.O.T which was otherwise passed with flying colours. Not bad for a 13 year old car on 150,000 miles.

Just seen this thread and rather assumed this is what the diagnosis would be...bad luck, although as Lizard said you have done better than many to get this far!

Hope it's sorted soon!

David

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

Dare I ask how much this one cost?

My collegue was quoted over 800Eur from Volvo so got it sorted with reconditioned unit + indie fitting for about half that price. He has FL model, not sure if racks are the same or what.

EDIT - actually wondered something, is fault like this possible to be prevented by replacing the power steering fluid or is that not related? Have seen some people doing that (like full drain&refill), you reckon that would prevent such problems? 850Chris - have you ever done this? what state your ps fluid was/is ?

[Welton]

I think you're right Lizard; changing the PAS fluid helps keep the various seals etc in good order.

Many owners (including myself) neglect to change this fluid as it's not something we look at very often, if at all.

850chris - is it the rack only or do you need a new pump too?

[850Chris]

Thanks guys. Rack only thankfully. £350 parts and estimated 2.5hrs labour at £70 per hour, so should be around the £525 mark all in.

I have to admit to neglecting to change the fluid, despite being generally religious about servicing and keeping the car in good order. Lesson learned possibly.

[LizardOfBodom]

Hmm... that is literally the only fluid I havent had changed in the car and now it is wrecking my head that I need to do it ASAP....
Any recommendations for good OEM-equvalent of fluid (and how many liters?)

850Chris - not too bad, hopefully its fully reconditioned and will outlast the car now?