On my volvo 850 the steering al of a sudden became hard to turn, i checked the power steering pump and its fine it had enough fluid, and i dont know what could be wrong. also on the drivers side, on the front subframe right in front of the cv boot there is a bunch of grease and i couldn't fine any rips in the boots anywhere, and was wondering if that could affect how the steering is, or if there is another problem. Thanks

 

Sounds like the power steering pump or steering rack is bad.
With the car running remove the cap and little dipstick. Then using a flashlight look inside and see if the fluid looks like it is moving around in there., If it is then the pump should be fine and it is the rack.

 

i tried changing the pump and it did nothing, so does that mean that it is the rack or is there something else that could possibly be wrong?

 

If the pump is new and it is the same then I would say the rack is bad.

 

okay thanks and do you think it just needs a new rack or is it easier to rebuild it?

 

A rebuilt one is cheaper.