I have a '96 960 and whenever I am making a turn, there is a noise that sounds like 'zoom'. the noise gets louder when i accelerate while turning. I think it may be the power steering, not sure though. This started happening a few days ago.

Also, when my car is idle, I hear another 'zoom' sound, only it zooms up and then back down. any ideas?

thanks!

 

First i would check your steering fluid.That usually happens when the fluid is low.
Second the other noise you are talking about does it do it more when the car is cold?That could be the timing belt idler pulley or the tensioner pulley.If it is one of those pulleys and you dont have them replaced they will eventualy seize up and cause the timing belt to jump.Then you will have to have the head rebuilt.Hopefully this helps.

 

Best way I've found to check power steering noise is with the car parked, wheels straight and the bonnet up. Run the engine and try to turn the steering slowely from side to side. You don't have to turn the wheels more than a few degrees, the test is all based on the loading caused by the wheels not turning. As the steering wheel moves from the staight -ahead position there may be a slight drop in idle speed but no appreciable noise. If there is a noise which gets louder the more pressure you apply to the steering wheel then you have either not got enough fluid in the power steering or you have a fault in the system.

 

Thanks for the quick responses! I'll check the fluid when I get home from work and fill it up. The second noise, I don't remember the other times how long until it made the noise, but the last time I heard it was right after I turned the car on. Guess I'll have to take the car in to the shop tomorrow.

 

Let me know how you make out.

 

Thanks.

I took it into the volvo dealer here and the technician said he could not verify the condition. He inspected the throttle body, removed and cleaned it, lots of carbon buildup apparently. Replaced a gasket, cleaned the flametrap, put in a new flame shield. He said if the problem persists, it could be a faulty CIS (constant idle speed motor). When I was driving it back, I didnt notice anything weird.

Hopefully its all better now! Need it ready for ski season.

 

Im glad things went good for you.Any more noise from the steering?Was the fluid level low?The return line leaks sometimes and the clamp just needs to be tightned.

 

yea, the fluid was low. filled it up and the noise went away. thanks again, much appreciated.

 

No problem glad to help.