2003XC70: need help with steering issues and mechanics comme

[carboncow]

Front end is typical Volvo sloppy and noisy strut bearings.

I got loaded shocks, inner and out tire rods and new swap bar links...prob should do lower ball joints too. Car doesn't return to center easily when driving but figured it was do to the sloppy front end and/or tie rods in particular.

I figured the inner and outers were do and there is play when you jack the wheels and give them a wiggle.

Usually I'll do front end but didn't have time to deal with tie rods so took it to a local respected shop that DOES NOT specialize in Volvos.

He calls me and tells me won't put the parts on as the rack is bad although there is no leak. His theory was bad worm gear but everyone I know in real like and online says they doubt that.

One friend suggested one of the two u-joints in the steering column may have confused him.

1. What are you thoughts?
2. Can someone confirm there are two u-joints on the column
3. Which one is most likely to fail as I see people talking about regreasing the bottom one

I don't have much time and access to a lift (like I usually do) so I may send it to another shop that with what to look for based on your comments.

[oragex]

Two u-joints but only the lower one does seize. 15 min. job to check it & put everything back. From inside the car one needs to remove a 14mm bolt from the steering column, then remove the large rubber boot - and check the bearing inside for seized in rust - then by hand one can move the u-joint to see if it's hard to move or easy. Definitely check this in the first place. If it doesn't move easily, get some engine oil and pour on it that keep moving it until it gets easier. By all means, no WD40 and such stuff on the joint. Those penetrating fluids don't lubricate and worse, they seize in freezing temperatures.

I had previous owner put a plastic tie-wrap on the large dust boot were the inner tie-rod sits. Bad idea. Upon removal, the whole steering shaft was rusted inside. Good news - just like yours - it wasn't leaking yet. Just cleaned it with a fine sand paper, put a metal collar on the boot (Oetiker clamp) and problem solved.

[carboncow]

Thanks.

Have you seen the joints wear in a way they get sloppy as this is what this non-volvo tech is saying. He can tell something is sloppy and not the tie rods...so he didn't want todo the job.

I got a guy down the street who wrenches on his extended familes Volvo's too and has done a dozen front ends. He thinks it's imply all the front end stuff and I should do that first and then assess if something else is at work.

If I get a chance I'll try to get it on a lift this week and figure out that lower joint.

[oragex]

I remember I had three garages in a row saying my rack was shot. One of them even removed the key from ignition, locked the steering, then shacked the wheels and said, look there is play. Daylight thief. It was actually a bent ball joint (the steering was feeling very vague) and the rack was perfect.

Front wheel geometry and wheel pressure can also prevent the wheel to return to center.

[carboncow]

Thanks, I figured the ball joint and tied rods could be conspiring to have my toe in/out wrong as I've read this can impact the return to center.

I think I'm going to quit worrying about this until I get all new bits up front this weekend and then see where we are at after an alignment. I think the garage spooked me by stating he didn't want to replace the front end components (because he claimed it would never align) if the steering was whack.

I'll report back early next week after everything is renewed.