Thud/Pop feeling and sound coming from steering...

[MoVolvos]

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I saw a DIY somewhere on a White Bushing/Collar that is on the Floor Board where the Steering Column U-Joint goes to the Rack? Could that part be bad?

Blessings,
BKM
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[JetMechGAC]

So I finally had some time to take a quick look under the dash at te steering column and this is what I found.



Looks like a support bearing of some kind. I am going to grease the rollers back up and try to shove it back into place. Only problem is I'm not sure where or how exactly it goes back into place. Anyone been there done that on a volvo of this vintage?

[JetMechGAC]

I repositioned the bearing back into the rubber boot with no change in condition. So on Sunday I picked up a rack, steering column, and pressure/return lines from an 04 v70 at the JY. I know that between 01-03 and 04 there was a PN change with the rack but visually looking at it I can tell that the pressure and return lines are spaced closer together my about 5mm on the 04 unit and there is some kind of rubber doughnut gasket on the input shaft going into the 01-03 unit. Anyone have any experience with the differences between the two racks. Is it possible to swap out the column, rack, and lines from and 04 into my 01 without issue?

[ctrobk]

Did you replace the rack? I am also experiencing some steering issues. Most of the front end components have been replaced. Struts, inner/outer tire rod ends, sway bar connects. Just had new tires installed and aligned. Car drives straight.

My first issue is a squeaking while turning the wheel. More pronounced when turning car in parking lots and driveway at low speeds.

Second issue is a thud/knock when first moving the car upon start up. Happens in either forward or reverse. I also get the same thud/knock when first turning the wheel after starting the car.

I greased up the bearing in the above photo in hopes of solving the squeaking but the sound is still there.

I am thinking its a rack issue now. Any input is greatly appreciated.

It's an 03 V70 base, 172k.

[JetMechGAC]

I have not had a chance to swap racks yet. Probably will happen next month.

As for the squeak, I have heard that bad ball joints can cause squeaks. Inspect them to see if the rubber boot is torn. If one has lost its lubricating grease it can squeak. If you do find a torn boot, try spraying in the tear some WD-40 to temporarily alleviate the squeaking.

I am guessing that the upper strut bearings were replaced when the struts went in.