V70 Steering: Halloween type noises!

[Theo105]

The power steering on my V70 2003 estate has started making intermittent loud wailing noises and sometimes by the end of a long journey the steering is very heavy. The garage changed the pump when this happened last year but it hasn't cured the problem and now they say they need to change the whole system and the pump again, because of gunk that's likely to have been sucked into it. Expensive job. Does anyone have advice on this, or know of a garage local to Guildford that they would recommend? My current garage seems strangely reluctant to undertake this again...

[MarvinMitt]

Have you lubed the steering column u-joints?
"Whiling"? while turning the steering wheel could be the rubber boot that runs the shaft through the firewall that needs lube.

[oragex]

Are you going to return to them ? I think people here can recommend good places, I think there is even a list somewhere.

As for the noise, what color is your p/s fluid ? Must be clear green. Also inspect the fluid level on the cap stick, and make sure all hoses are tighten securely to the reservoir and to the pump - including the high pressure metal hose which should have a large hex shaped washer over the securing nut. If air is being sucked in somewhere it can cause your issues.

Finally, look under the jack jacked up securely on jack stands, inspect all p/s lines for any leaks.

[Theo105]

Thank you so much for your help, really appreciated. Unfortunately Theo is Theodora rather than Theodore; I understand what you're saying but can't do it myself. Don't have the facilities either. Someone told me that these forums are full of knowledgeable people, so here I am! Having failed to fix the problem last year, I am keen to understand what the issue might be when I go back to the garage, and what you say is really helpful. Hence also my need for a recommended garage that might get the problem. Any idea where I might find that list?

[Spike56]

Main dealers.. Romans in Pirbright.

There's a Volvo specialist in Camberley, between the Meadows and Watchmore Park, on the Camberley by-pass.

[oragex]

And don't hesitate to say 'let me think' and come back here before giving the go for any repairs. A main dealership may give you a scary quote.

There is still an easy thing you can do, about the fluid color and level. May as well look with the flash light (engine off and cold) through the engine bay at the steering rack see if there are some electrical wire or not to the rack itself.