Power Steering Noises

[JamesT5]

Hi

I've noticed I've been getting some noises from the steering and I suspect that it's related to the power steering pump.

The noise happens when I turn the sterring quickly to full lock or near full lock when parking or turning around and the sound is sort of like a chair or table been dragged along a wooden floor.

I wonder if this some sort of bearing going or whether my power sterring fluid needs changing (I have no idea when that was last done as the service history is not itemised).

Any ideas and help greatly appreciated....

Regards

James

[M-R-P]

First thing I'd do is check the p/s fluid level in the resivoir.
If it's low it'll make the pump groan.
A fluid change may help, if there's contaminants in the rack or lines.

Another possible cause would be knackered strut bearings.

[JamesT5]

First thing I'd do is check the p/s fluid level in the resivoir.
If it's low it'll make the pump groan.
A fluid change may help, if there's contaminants in the rack or lines.

Another possible cause would be knackered strut bearings.

That's convenient because I just happened to have a complete set of strut bearings sitting in a box waiting to be fitted to the car. I'll also check the PS resevoir when I can actually get to look at my car in daylight.

Thanks for the input...

Regards

James

[Harvey]

On my old s60 one of the bushes in the steering column was dry ,bit of wd40 sorted it out,also look at the rubber boot at the bulkhead where the column goes throught ,the bush can also dry out.
Only ever did it a parking speeds as you say.

[M-R-P]

Be careful not to remove the rubber boot at the base of the column, they are a PITA to put back.

[JamesT5]

Be careful not to remove the rubber boot at the base of the column, they are a PITA to put back.

I won't and I'll see if my 'mega bucks' stage 2 overhaul sorts out the problem first.

I've got to order the calipers and the strut/coil kit in January when I have some more money. Then I've got to make sure I've got enough to pay the garage 8 - 10 hours labour to do the job.... Gonna be a painful but worth while use of my hard earned cash...

Regards

James

[Leeds_finest]

What have you got to pay a garage for?

[M-R-P]

What have you got to pay a garage for?

He'd rather pay a pro to do it - in case it goes pear-shaped

[Harvey]

I have a van full of tools but still let a garage do some jobs as I dont have a ramp it's just so much easier with one.
The way I look at it if the garage can do it in a couple of hours on a ramp why struggle all day on a weekend to do the same.

[Leeds_finest]

He'd rather pay a pro to do it - in case it goes pear-shaped

Fit the suspension???

Just pay the petrol to my house and ill do it with you!!

[Rhys]

Had a BMW E30 that groaned like mad, low fluid was the cause (and it was a mucky grey colour so knackered). Topping it up cured the sound.
he V70 groans a bit sometimes when parking up, fluid looks ok though. General driving it makes no sound.

[JamesT5]

Fit the suspension???

Just pay the petrol to my house and ill do it with you!!

That's a kind offer although I'd feel a bit cheeky doing something like that.

[JamesT5]

Had a BMW E30 that groaned like mad, low fluid was the cause (and it was a mucky grey colour so knackered). Topping it up cured the sound.
he V70 groans a bit sometimes when parking up, fluid looks ok though. General driving it makes no sound.

Thanks, I'll take this in to consideration.

[JamesT5]

Well today the Power Steering was making a very load whining sound that sounded like it was 'straining'. Again it was a low speed (20mph or less), so I pulled up and checked the PAS resevoir which did have fluid in it but it looked quite low IMO. The warning on the lid says not to overfill but then looking on the side of the resevoir, I can't find a 'max' line so I've no idea whether the resevoir is full enough or not.

What I do know is the whining sound was pretty loud although it then went away or was much quieter later on. It makes me wonder whether the frost and ice conditions have something to do with it...?

Regards

James

[stephenevans99]

The level indicator is on the cap dipstick.

[JamesT5]

The level indicator is on the cap dipstick.

Ah right, I didn't know that - thanks for the advice!

[stephenevans99]

Remember James that the correct Volvo PS fluid is green coloured synthetic Pentosin as opposed to the red coloured fluid which is probably ATF which is often incorrectly added. Does it matter...? I dunno !! lol

[LeeT5]

Remember James that the correct Volvo PS fluid is green coloured synthetic Pentosin as opposed to the red coloured fluid which is probably ATF which is often incorrectly added. Does it matter...? I dunno !! lol

Yes it does. They should never be mixed. Can do horrendous damage to seals, rack and pump if mixed.

[JamesT5]

Ok, well it turns out the fluid is low because the garage that did my oil and filter change today did a free safety check on the car and confirmed my theory. Other than a 'rusty bolt' on the exhause bracket and some scoring on the back brake discs, they said the car is good shape. They obviously didn't check very that hard because they back pads are about done and the struts and mounts are cream crackered - until Thursday!

[M-R-P]

It's not easy being right all the time lmao

Glad that's one more problem sorted mate.