07 S60 Increase pressure in Power Steering Pump?

jpitt-32 · Post by **jpitt-32** » 15 Oct 2015, 21:16

I'll probably be flamed for this but here goes. Just got a hold of a super nice 07' S60 with 15k miles on the clock. The steering is stiff for my liking and was wondering if anyone had every modified their pump " example: spring compress or stretch, larger/smaller relief hole" to increase the amount of pressure that is supplied to the rack. The steering performs just as it should so there's not really a problem with the u-joints or shaft through the firewall, it's just that I've had both wrists operated on and I'm trying to make it more like my old V70.
Thanks in advance..

Post by **JRL** » 16 Oct 2015, 06:42

You're "old" V70 should have "stiffer" steering.
Does this have the variable steering option? If so perhaps the relay has gone bad over time (certainly not mileage).
If it has gone bad, it will be pretty stiff at low speeds

Post by **vtl** » 16 Oct 2015, 06:53

JRL, wife's 2002 V70 has a very light steering compared to my 2005 XC70 w/ ZF rack, I can understand jpitt-32 here. It's not that stiff in XC70 after all, but V70 is considerably easier.

I don't think much can be done at pump side, if anything.

jpitt-32 · Post by **jpitt-32** » 16 Oct 2015, 11:08

Lol you're right I'm getting too old. My old v70 was nice and easy vs the s60. Oh, and mine doesn't have the power assist steering option. Something I found odd is the turning radius on the 03 70 was a lot tighter than the 07 s60. I assume this is because of the different manufactures of the racks... I'm old school, so I'm getting a junk yard pump and tearing it down. Gonna see what I can fab together...

Post by **oragex** » 16 Oct 2015, 14:18

Not much you can do. I wonder if the pump from an XC90 would have more pressure but no guarantee it will fit because the piping might have different connections.

jpitt-32 · Post by **jpitt-32** » 16 Oct 2015, 15:17

oragex wrote:Not much you can do. I wonder if the pump from an XC90 would have more pressure but no guarantee it will fit because the piping might have different connections.

I'll have to check Vida and see what the test pressure should be on the xc90 vs the s60. Hoses can be made if its just a connector issue. I'm testing my pressure to make sure its up to spec. Vida shows two series of pumps that can be on the 07 S60. depending on the series, pressure should fall between 1450 to 1750 psi.. I hope that mine falls below this. That way I have something to go on.

Post by **JRL** » 16 Oct 2015, 15:36

Your mileage here would help.
I've driven a couple of 06 XCs side by side and the one with the perfect steering rack had a much lighter effort than the other which had "something" goofy going on inside the rack.

(2001s and 2002s have MUCH lighter steering than 03s and newer and has nothing to do with the 04 and newer ZR rack).

jpitt-32 · Post by **jpitt-32** » 16 Oct 2015, 16:42

My s60 has 18k miles on it. The Volvo had 292k+ Haha. I know. The v70 was so worn out that it had no choice but to be loose. The v70 was an 03. The s60 is an 07.

jpitt-32 · Post by **jpitt-32** » 16 Oct 2015, 16:46

I had the v70 since it had 59k on it but it all ways seemed lighter. I know I'm comparing apples and oranges here but I got the s60 for just $6500 and really don't mind modifying it to make it fit my needs. Oh yeah, I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and input. I'm from the old school of if it doesn't fit easy make it fit period.

Post by **oragex** » 16 Oct 2015, 18:19

The p/s on my 2003 doesn't work properly - feels a bit heavy and 'gummy' - for some reason which I never found. I replaced the pump, still the same. However one day I placed the reservoir a little higher (having removed it from it's bracket) and also removed some fluid and for the next few days the steering was completely transformed. It felt easy yet heavy all at once and very smooth and pleasant. It felt 'weighted'. Perhaps that's how it should have been from factory.