Help me diagnose power steering problem

coldax · Post by **coldax** » 16 Jan 2016, 12:19

Hi all - I'm soliciting opinions on a power steering issue I am having. Care to chime in?

2000 Volvo V70 SE, auto, with the non-turbo engine. 165,000 miles.
A few weeks ago the steering became very heavy, like it had manual steering. Fluid level was good. No leaks detected. No foaming or bubbles in reservoir. No whining or squeaks from the rack when turning or at full lock.

I have done three 'turkey baster' drains of the reservoir and refilled in attempt to flush the fluid. First batch was very dark with a few bits in it. I have been using Dexron III based on the recommendations of a local auto parts store. In the past I have used ATF4.

The reservoir seems fine - the tube at the top is not broken, but it does wiggle a bit. Hoses are OK.

The fluid change has helped slightly. Once the car warms up the steering is better, but still very heavy.

I'm leaning towards replacing the pump. Thoughts?

Post by **misha** » 16 Jan 2016, 14:46

Pk(serpentine)belt condition?

Post by **precopster** » 16 Jan 2016, 15:00

The only advice I can offer is to see where the friction is coming from by disconnecring the steering column from the rack and see if the steering column itself is the source of the friction. The column uses bearings and these may be the culprit. Once you have disconnected the column it will be easy to push the wheels left and right to then feel if the friction is at the rack.

If neither provides a definitive diagnosis I would replace the PS pump.

coldax · Post by **coldax** » 18 Jan 2016, 20:27

misha wrote:Pk(serpentine)belt condition?

Belt has about 1/4 inch deflection. I can't remember when it was last replaced. Could it be something that simple?

coldax · Post by **coldax** » 18 Jan 2016, 20:34

precopster wrote:The only advice I can offer is to see where the friction is coming from by disconnecring the steering column from the rack and see if the steering column itself is the source of the friction. The column uses bearings and these may be the culprit. Once you have disconnected the column it will be easy to push the wheels left and right to then feel if the friction is at the rack.

If neither provides a definitive diagnosis I would replace the PS pump.

Thanks. Is this something accomplished by the home mechanic? I'm pretty handy but I will have to look into what this entails.

Today I raised the front end so both tires were off the ground. The rack is bone dry. I don't see any traces of any fluids under there at all, which feels like a good sign. I started the car and when I turned the wheel the manual-feeling was still there. Again it got softer as the car warmed up but still no where near normal. No funny noises when turning the wheel until full lock when it made a clunk, but I think that was the suspension components maxing out. Fluid is nice and clear. When I open the reservoir there is a mild vacuum release of pressure. Is this normal?

Post by **precopster** » 18 Jan 2016, 22:37

It won't be the belt. If it were the engine too would be slowed by the friction.

Unless the belt is slipping of course and this woud be very audible.

Post by **precopster** » 19 Jan 2016, 04:49

Undo the tie rods at the steering knuckle and see if the wheels turn freely left and right while not connected to the rack by the tie rods.

Disconnecting the rack from the steering column is not an easy task because of it's location. There should be a 10mm bolt going through the steering column into the top of the rack. Once you release this bolt you can get under the steering column shaft and hit it upwards. It will retract inwards and out from the rack.

eddielee · Post by **eddielee** » 19 Jan 2016, 14:43

An alarm went off in my mind when I read, "I have been using Dexron III based on the recommendations of a local auto parts store. In the past I have used ATF4." Especially that, "on the recommendation of the local auto parts store," part.

I don't know Volvos too well, but all I can think is that is not a good thing.
Essentially you are mixing fluids and then minimizing the ratio of one. This in my experience is bad on seals regardless their make.

What should be used?

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jan 2016, 16:46

Do you still have the owners manual? It will be in the back under specifications. I have loads of old handbooks, but not one for a 850 that old to be certain what it should be. Attached is a service manual for a 93-96 850 from the UK Volvo club.

https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/servi ... ceInfo.pdf

According to them the power steering fluid is ATF or Dexron -II.

If all else fails, call your dealer and make sure the person there has some idea what they are talking about, and see what they say. I am always wary of the 93/4 850's as there are differences to the later models, but there can be differences for different markets as this attached link says DEXRON-III

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... blem-3172/

This link also talks about the lower steering column bearing drying out and making the steering feel heavy.

From what I can see is that most sites while not specifying what the actual fluid is, say 93-97 850's use the same fluid

Neil.

coldax · Post by **coldax** » 31 Jan 2016, 12:15

I recently spoke with Jason Van Gorden at FCP Euro about the correct PS fluid, here is what he said:

On the earlier models ATF is supposed to be used and Volvo lists the following:
"Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) type F, G, Dexron IID, E, III, Ford Mercon, or alternatively Volvo p/n 1161317 for colder climates"

So I really don't think it is the fluid. The manual simply says 'ATF'.