Power steering Problems

[laundryman]

In my world of speed and pressure variable hydraulics, what you describe as a 'solenoid' could be a proportional valve. The feature is described as 'speed sensitive steering' and other descriptions of the Serviotronic system describe the steering assistance as being proportional to speed. So if its a prop valve, they are usually CURRENT dependant and driven by an interface module ('relay'). These valves like really clean oil and crud make them stick, also when worn they pass oil. Putting 12 volts on them gives them maximum current and bangs them open/shut, dependant on setup. So you may find a flush out of oil and refill allows the valve to move proportionlly & does the trick.

[Gazzza]

Originally Posted by laundryman

xxxxx.... So you may find a flush out of oil and refill allows the valve to move proportionlly & does the trick.

Blimey where were you 3 days ago LOL

To late now fitting standard rack should be done in a few more hours

[Gazzza]

double post delete ..............

[Gazzza]

OK so its a funny one is this...... there is a MOD kit out regards an upgrade for leaking water for 2005 onwards I think as the plugs on older models wont fit through the sleeve ????


There is a Fix it goes like this ..

PRODUCT MODIFICATION: A new plenum sealing strategy with integrated rubber grommet was introduced in production from 2005 week 45. See photo below. This new sealing strategy will be carried over to the replacement engine bay harnesses on the chassis numbers indicated, by modification of the replacement harness.

First you need a
Modified replacement harness


So if there is signs of water

If there are signs of water penetration in plenum box and/or wet corrosion at the CEM

connectors, it will be necessary to install a new CEM and replace the engine bay cable harness according to the method below:

Modification of the original type replacement harness


Parts required;


Engine bay cable harness, check VIDA parts catalogue


(This is the original type engine bay harness which will be modified with the instruction below)


Plenum lid, P/N 30728860

Service grommet, P/N 30775689

Cable tie, P/N P/N 983750 (2 required)



and the cost and time in the garage on this is ...JUST not worth it so we was talking about later on if the same thing happens and the total cost was gonna be HIGH...
So I decided to forget this and just swop out the SPEED SENSITIVE rack for a standard power rack if that's possible I was thinking about doing it my self I have all the time and kit but alas its the dreaded SUB FRAME removal ....

Na ill send it in ... well £800 lighter and few days later guess what...
I now have POWER STEERING so that's my heavy steering sorted

Come on VOLVO brill cars and some one made a STUPID idea with water ingress in the bulkhead / fire wall ...good job he don't work on Submarines

[joemc99]

Hi, I may have sililiar issue with power steering, but I cannot determine if my xc90 has the steering sensitive steering (2004 d5 executive).

I have a 15amp fuse in slot 16.

Can you repost the images? I am unable to see.

[bluey_xc90]

I had a similar issue with heavy steering at low speed on my 2011 RDesign D5 - I got an independent to replace the solenoid (there is a repair kit for this) which improved the situation but over 6 months got worse again.

Then flushing the system with 3 litres of the green CHF fluid worked wonders - the fluid coming out was black at the start, and 10 days after doing it we can now move the steering at a standstill again without issues. I think the low speed solenoid gets clogged and regularly flushes keeps it working. BTW Car has 72k miles on it and fluid hadn't been changed until now.

[Peachey169]

Did any of you guys have what I can only describe as lumpy or twitchy steering at all?

My indie guys tell me its the rack and the pin that normally moves from side to side needs welding in place to stop this - common apparently

Thoughts?

[DJT]

Pictures are not visible. Just a box with an X in. Admin?

[Ade2015]

Managed to fix mine in the end by replacing the power steering pump (after replacing the fluid, relay and 'proportional valve' first in that order!). A significant issue I had in trying to diagnose it was that the issue was very intermittent.
On stripping the old power steering pump down I found the pressure relief valve within the pump had some sharp edges on it and must have been intermittently catching in the open, or partially open position. This would have then relieved most of the pump pressure (steering assistance).
I assume the pump damage was caused by something in the very contaminated fluid that the car had when we got it - I'm not sure it had ever had a change from the look of it!
Replacement pump has resolved the issue and the steering is now back as it should be.

[sreviz]

Can some one please shed some light on this issue please.
Pictures disappeared. How and where to check it please? If some one has pic please upload.

Mine doing the same at low speed. Fluid is clear green (not black).

Thank you.