Power Steering Groaning Ever So Slightly

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 11 Oct 2011, 23:01

My power steering is groaning ever so slightly. I had the power steering topped off today at the dealer, which I was hoping would fix the problem, but I guess it didn't as I heard it groan just as I turned into my driveway. What could be the cause of the groaning? I'm thinking that I might need to apply some grease as I didn't apply any grease since changing the control arms last month.

VolvoTurbo850 · Post by **VolvoTurbo850** » 12 Oct 2011, 00:09

do you mean it is always groaning or just when you make a hard turn?

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Oct 2011, 08:23

And is it the pump noise or more of a squeaking noise like a bushing or something?

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 12 Oct 2011, 10:30

Hard turn as in full lock or close? No. It just groans whenever.... It doesn't happen all the time. It actually happens very rarely.

If I remember correctly, it's not a squeaking sound. It's like a "uuugggghhhh" kinda sound? But it's really short.

VolvoTurbo850 · Post by **VolvoTurbo850** » 12 Oct 2011, 15:41

When you make a hard turn and older system is going to protest with a groan. How dirty is the oil in the steering pump? Sometimes just cleaning that out will help. Otherwise one of those things you should just live with unless it is happening all the time.

I find it odd that your dealer didn't comment on it when they topped it off.. unless they could not hear it either.

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 06 Jun 2012, 17:06

So they wanted to take apart my steering today to see if this spring was broken in the steering column, since my signal stalk does not return after making a turn. Was gonna get charged $100.... Should I be worried, in terms of safety? Been groaning for so long now I just ignored it.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 06 Jun 2012, 17:30

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If it is not groaning at other times it just may be an alignment especially when it is just when turning. Check tire wear.

Take a Turkey Baster and remove all the Fluid in the reservoir and refill. Turn on Vehicle for 20 seconds and turn steering wheel one turn each side while the car in running. Remove and refill 3 to 4 times total and drive to see if it improves.

This is what I use for PW ST Fluid (20W). Never had a power steering problem with all my cars except for a Celica which was leaking when I got it.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/sho ... o_pg10.htm

Blessings,
BKM
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coldax · Post by **coldax** » 07 Jun 2012, 10:57

Is the fluid foaming in the reservoir? Mine was groaning and foaming. So I turkey-basted out all the fluid and replaced the two hose clamps that lead into the reservoir due to small air leaks (causing the foaming). I used a couple of .25 cent band clamps.
Groaning and foaming has stopped.

Post by **JRL** » 07 Jun 2012, 14:03

Are you sure it's not the lower steering column bushing?
They do go bad
Pull up the carpet, get some grease on it.
If that works, you can replace it later on at your convenience

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Jun 2012, 14:51

^yep, sounds like this to me too:

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... _lube.html