Hi,

I just replaced the power steering fluid in my 2006 V70 2.5T AWD about 6 weeks ago.

I'm now getting what feels like a "stuck in the centered position" feeling. The steering feels just fine for about 5 to 10 degrees of turn, and then there is resistance. A bit more of a push pops the steering out of this "rut" and the car turns normally. It happens in either direction.

I'll bring it in to get it checked out, but I'd prefer to fix it myself if this is a common issue.

I'd read somewhere that a speed-sensitive steering sensor can do this if it goes bad whereby it doesn't know when to let the wheel freely turn. Any takers?

Thanks.

 

Just an update. I poked around the front end a bit this weekend while doing an oil change, and I noticed that the rubber boot on the passenger-side inner tie rod is torn. Could this have anything to do with the resistance in steering? Perhaps something got into the steering rack?

 

What fluid did you install?

 

I used Pentosin CHF 202 purchased at IPDUSA (part 112998). I'm quite certain this is the correct fluid.

 

I'm starting to suspect worn tie rod(s). I'm noticing a bit of a clunk when I turn the steering wheel back and forth. The "sticking" in the steering may be the point at which the turning force is sufficient to engage the worn tie rod enough to clunk it past its worn point.

In any case, I'll check it and report back.

 

Dealership says that the tie rods are fine. His thought is a sticking upper or lower steering column joint. Without getting right in there, it's difficult to tell. If it gets bad enough, I'll put in the effort. It's just no fun working in the winter at 32f in a tiny one-car garage.