Lubricate the steering?

[rgk]

I got the car running and took it for a test ride. The steering, I had noticed, was very hard. It didn't feel as if the power steering had gone out - instead, it felt hard in certain spots in the turn. I checked the repair manual, which stated that in hard steering and poor returnability to center (also an issue), the cause is most likely lack of lubrication at balljoints and tie-rod ends. This is not surprising, considering the car had sat in the driveway for about six months. However, a google search and a search of this site results in people saying that new balljoints are not typically lubricated. So what do I do here? Hopefully not replace them!

[Jack Rock]

I would try the turkey baster trick to your steering fluid. I had jerky, hard in spots, poor return in my steering. I replaced as much fluid as possible, then did it again a week later and it's been golden ever since, this was a year ago.

[petek153]

On my 93 850 had the same problem what I found was the universal on the steering column was binding first sprayed it with wd40 which loosened it up then applied a good dose of 3 in 1 oil haven't had the problem since . Had binding in several spots when turned wheel with car on blocks would bind then turn free then bind again it was as the joint flexed.

[rgk]

Silly me. Of course it was the power steering fluid, which was low. I sucked the old fluid out using a baster, removed the hose going to the power steering pump, drained it, and sucked fluid out of the pump for good measure. I then added fresh fluid. The steering now turns like warm butter. Can you believe the Haynes manual actually states that the balljoints might need to be lubricated? Don't most or all 240s have sealed balljoints? Sheesh. I used to really enjoy that manual but am finding out more and more bad things about it...

[billofdurham]

Thank you for the update.

I agree about the Haynes 240 manual. Others that I have, Volvo and non-Volvo, are far superior.

Bill.