Hi all! I am new to the forum. This is exciting because I think is a great tool for us Volvo lovers to have! Don't know why I waited this long to sign up. I have previously owned 2 2000 Volvo XC70s, one of which made it to almost 300k miles, and just sealed the deal on a 2010 XC60 last week, woohoo!! I am on here because my friend who has a 2009 XC90 (3.2 L) has come down to visit me in NC from VT, and unfortunately just after making it over the NC state line, her steering wheel completely locked up, causing her to have trouble trying to steer, so she pulled over and the engine overheating light came on (No CEL). I asked her what else was going on with the car and she also told me that it almost sounded like a squealing noise she was hearing like a belt broke, and that the coolant reservoir was bubbling apparently and that it looked like some coolant was leaking on the ground. She had it towed to a nearby shop. She doesn't know much about the history of the car, but she did say it has 158,000 miles. I know this is all kind of vague info, but if someone might have an idea what's going on, it would be great to know! Thanks!

 

Well, a power steering failure is usually going to be a belt breaking. Unfortunately, on a 3.2 they had this rear accessory drive which is quite unusual. That is where the pump is on this vehicle, I think.

I don't have a 3.2, but I found a good video on it:
https://www.scottsautomotivemd.com/v...cessory-drive/

I don't mean to scare you with this video; it's a strange engine but the strangeness probably is inconsequential - I imagine she just shredded the belt but you'll find out, i guess.