Steering: How should "Servotronic" steering feel?

[Moose Test]

Driving today it struck me that the "speed sensitive" steering in my new-to-me MY07 V8 Sport doesn't really seem that sensitive at all. I can't say I notice any difference between it and my 05 D5 SE. It seems heavy-ish at pretty much any speed.

I vaguely recall that once, whilst test driving an R-Design, as I first went to pull out of the dealer's forecourt the wheel had almost no resistance to movement at all, but that was months ago and I could be mistaken.

Would anyone with the speed sensitive steering setup care to comment? Is there supposed to be a very noticeable difference between the two systems?

Thanks.

[tdi]

I have this steering system on my s60r and at very low speeds the steering is light but the faster you travel the steering firms up.
There is a servotronic relay up underneath the dash above the drivers footwell they can fail and when they do the steering is heavy all the time regardless of speed.
Also there is a solenoid on the steering rack , these cam get stuck and give the same symptoms as the failed relay.
It's worth changing the power steering fluid especially if it's no longer green as this can free up the solenoid.
If not replace the relay and that will sort the issue.

[laundryman]

If you look a bit down the page you will see this
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=265637
suggest you have a read.

[Moose Test]

Thanks both.

I have read that post, and others, and am aware of the various possible failure modes, including 'pipe rot' and fluid incompatibility. Not to mention the expense of fixing them...

My problem is that, without a personal frame of reference, I'm uncertain that there is actually anything wrong with mine before I start out trying to troubleshoot it and spending money. If it weren't for the fact that I know this vehicle is fitted with this option I probably wouldn't have thought twice about the steering as it seems reasonable for this size and class of vehicle and is not much different to the other XC90 I drive.

I am interested in the magnitude of the expected difference in driver experience between the two.

For example, and to be more specific, I have been told that at rest, the speed sensitive system should be providing so much assistance that it is easily possible to turn the wheel with a single finger. Is that so?

[bokabil]

Originally Posted by Moose Test

For example, and to be more specific, I have been told that at rest, the speed sensitive system should be providing so much assistance that it is easily possible to turn the wheel with a single finger. Is that so?

I have this option on mine. I wouldn't say single finger but maneuvering in tight underground garages for a car this size and the horrendous turning circle is easy.
Between walking pace and motorway speeds, the steering feel difference is quite obvious. Explaining the "feeling" in words is not so easy. Best option if possible is to test drive one with this option working.

[john langrick]

Hi, my experience (if it helps) is that I have had 2 x v70, one from new. The current xc90 2003 se does appear to be noticeably lighter on the steering that both v70. (And i am not as young as I used to be).

John l

[tdi]

Originally Posted by bokabil

I have this option on mine. I wouldn't say single finger but maneuvering in tight underground garages for a car this size and the horrendous turning circle is easy.
Between walking pace and motorway speeds, the steering feel difference is quite obvious. Explaining the "feeling" in words is not so easy. Best option if possible is to test drive one with this option working.

My sentiments exactly.

[Moose Test]

Originally Posted by bokabil

but maneuvering in tight underground garages for a car this size and the horrendous turning circle is easy.

Nope, not in mine. I had the occasion to do exactly that yesterday and it was nothing other than heavy. It also made a bit of a 'buzz' noise at full lock.

Originally Posted by bokabil

Between walking pace and motorway speeds, the steering feel difference is quite obvious. Explaining the "feeling" in words is not so easy.

Again, not mine. No major discernable difference.

Originally Posted by bokabil

Best option if possible is to test drive one with this option working.

And the opportunity has (possibly) just presented itself. The dealer who suppplied mine has an R-Design in stock. I'll try my luck there. But, based on the two previous points, it certainly seems as if either the steering pump or rack is on its way out.

Thanks for your input.

[tdi]

What is the colour of the power steering fluid it should be green. Anything else it needs flushing and refilled with fresh fluid , simple enough job.

[Moose Test]

I think it can be best described as having the appearance of weak tea; transparent with a light brown to yellow colour.