2000 V70R Power Steering Noise Topic is solved

Bluevanacd2005 · Post by **Bluevanacd2005** » 28 Mar 2016, 18:41

Has anyone else had issues with a power steering whine? I have flushed the fluid multiple times and tried three different pumps (one rebuilt). I have also tried some Lucas oil atf oil stabilizer to thicken the fluid a little. There is always a whine that can be heard over everything else (even the radio unless it's turned up little). It varies with RPM and if I take the serpentine belt off it is nice and quiet. I doubt the noise is Coming from the AC compressor and the idler pulley on the tensioner is new. (Alternator?)

I don't have other issues - the power steering does work well. But now I am wondering if it's something in the rack makeing noise or causing the pumps to make noise? Maybe a worn valve vibrating or leaking? Seems like that would cause other issues though.

At this point I am attempting just to live with it, but it's really annoying. Replacing the rack Is a big step to get rid of only a noise....

Bluevanacd2005 · Post by **Bluevanacd2005** » 28 Mar 2016, 19:08

Video:

Post by **Clockboy** » 29 Mar 2016, 10:42

I had a similar noise on a dodge van that turned out to be a clogged screen in the reservoir tank causing cavitation. Had to listen to it all the way up to boston and back. Unbelievably annoying. Isn't there another stationary idler pulley? Assuming you purged the system of air when you replaced the pump. Is it loosing fluid? I read somewhere in hear there was a gurgling sound from the power steering reservoir that turned out to be a problem with the alternator and the noise was just be transferred up.

Bluevanacd2005 · Post by **Bluevanacd2005** » 29 Mar 2016, 11:59

I am not loosing any fluid anywhere. I like your idea of it being starved for fluid.... as the problem has progressively increased over the last year or so. Maybe I should check the hoses for restrictions next.

Assuming you purged the system of air when you replaced the pump.

Is there a specific way to do this besides filling everything up? (I did my best).

I read somewhere in hear there was a gurgling sound from the power steering reservoir that turned out to be a problem with the alternator and the noise was just be transferred up.

I don't think this noise can be mistaken for gurgling though

I attached a picture of what belt routing I have.

Thank you for the idea- I will take some hoses apart next chance I get!

Spenser

Post by **Clockboy** » 29 Mar 2016, 15:14

When I changed my fluid I made sure the reservoir was full and then moved the steering wheel from lock to lock a bunch of times. Probably is best to do it with the front up on jacks, but I just did it in the gravel driveway. Started off with slight groan and ended up silent. Added more fluid as needed.
If that is the belt routing on your car it is different from my v70 xc 98. There is another pulley in there on mine. It is getting a little grumbly, but does not sound like your noise. Sounds more like metal wheels running along a metal track.
You are right - the noise I was talking of with the alternator issue was more like a coffee machine brewing and got louder when the cap of the reservoir was removed.
Are there any air bubbles in the reservoir after it runs for a little bit?
I listened to the video again and the noise is exactly like the problem I had with the van. It still haunts me.

Post by **Clockboy** » 29 Mar 2016, 15:26

Also - what fluid are you using?
Did you spin the other parts powered by the belt? I'm assuming yes and there were no noises.
I wonder if there is a way to reduce the amount of pulleys powered by the belt. A smaller belt that only involves a couple of pulleys at a time.
That would at least diagnose the offending part by process of elimination.

Post by **scot850** » 29 Mar 2016, 15:51

Trying to figure out the noises of any of the components on the serpentine belt path is difficult. I could not identify the noise on either my 93 850 GLT or 2000 V70R. As all the components are mounted to the same aluminum bracket I found the noise(s) transferred to each component even using a stethoscope. I ended up swapping out the alternator to find out it was the A/C compressor bearings going. It was a pain as the 'good' original alternator had to be returned as a core.

On the 93 850, it was looked at several times by the dealer and Indy Volvo shop to identify a knocking noise to no avail. I lived with it for 4 years until I finally had enough. Pulled all the components off to find the lower mounting bolt for the A/C was missing. It mounts from the back of the unit into the bracket so no-one had seen it missing. Finally fixed the problem just before selling the car!

Getting the A/C delete belt would at least either eliminate the A/C compressor bearings being the issue or not. Then it would be the power steering pump or alternator. Both are relatively cheap from PnP and can usually be warranted here. So swapping one or other out may also help.

Wish you luck.

Neil.

Bluevanacd2005 · Post by **Bluevanacd2005** » 29 Mar 2016, 19:04

Thanks guys!

I tried looking for an obstruction on the inlet side of the pump from the reservoir, no such luck. It was perfectly clear but I flushed it anyway.

I guess I'll try elimating the alternator and AC compressor next, but don't have high hopes for them being the problem. I should get a stethoscope and see if it helps pinpoint the noise better.

For fluid I have been using Valvoline atf, dextron III/IV.

I haven't noticed any bubbles, but I'll take a better look next time it's running and warm.

Thanks for the help!

Spenser

Post by **abscate** » 29 Mar 2016, 20:59

Use a piece of hose about 1/4 inch diameter to isolate the noise from either the PS, the alternator or AC

It should nit be hard to hear which one is the wine bucket

Bluevanacd2005 · Post by **Bluevanacd2005** » 30 Mar 2016, 04:20

Use a piece of hose about 1/4 inch diameter to isolate the noise from either the PS, the alternator or AC

On the end of the stethoscope?