2002 S60 Power Steering Issue

james166 · Post by **james166** » 12 Oct 2015, 17:31

I've been having issues with the power steering on my car - others who drive it say it has "stiff" or hard steering. When I drive it I noticed the first small amount you turn the wheel is fine, but then if you continue you can feel some definite resistance, more than you would normally expect with power steering. Keep turning, and near the end of the turning limit it seems to loosen up again.
Any ideas on what is wrong? I should note that the car has about 99K miles.

james166 · Post by **james166** » 12 Oct 2015, 17:44

I should also note I took it to one shop, and they said they didn't see anything "obvious". But they are not Volvo experts.

Post by **oragex** » 12 Oct 2015, 17:46

First thing that comes to mind is the steering lower u-joint

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-240- ... ing-28707/

Post by **chrism** » 12 Oct 2015, 21:02

Nice graphic thanks to Oregex.

Are the "stiff" and "free" areas relative to steering wheel position?

Post by **oragex** » 13 Oct 2015, 06:52

I would think so. The coupler can be tested in 15 min from inside the car, by disconnecting the steering column and removing the boot cover from the floor, underneath the pedals. It is the lower one in the picture that's the usual culprit.

james166 · Post by **james166** » 22 Oct 2015, 17:53

Well I tried spraying the upper/lower u-joints on the steering shaft. It seemed better for about a day. But then the next day it got cold and it was worse than ever. So, off to shop. They said my lower u-joint was seized and needed to be replaced. Had them replace it and now all is good. Thanks to those who read this thread and gave me some advice - its always good to try the simple fixes before heading to the repair shop. And thanks for the diagram provided, I now know more about what's under the hood of my car!