Power Steering Noise
 

OK, so my forum search produced nothing.... heres my issue, in my 850 turbo wagon, when turning the wheel i can hear and FEEL a repetitive knock directly behind the footrest pad in the driverside footwell. Im convinced its the steering rack going south..... it seems that the noise is worse in colder weather, or on startup, but gets a tiny bit quieter when warm, but only occurs when passing the wheel..... anyone have an input as well as a decent parts source for new rack, or can this rack be disassembled and repaired?

RE: Power Steering Noise
 

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850suspension.htm

New rack. Do some more shopping and see if you can get a better price though.

RE: Power Steering Noise
 

OK, I assume you've already checked the fluid level & leak, right?

If bleeding does not solve the problem, it may as well have an internal problem. To bleed PWS, I believe you simply drive the car but on some cars you turn the steering from lock-to-lock at a standstill a few times.

Good luck,


JPN

RE: Power Steering Noise
 

Hey, well yes and no..... i checked the fluid.... but when you say "leak" are you refering to a component or process or do you mean "is it leaking" ?
As far as bleeding goes, the car is driven every day, so if that action bleeds the system automatically then, well, that didnt fix it.... thanks for more input!

RE: Power Steering Noise
 

Yes I meant fluid leak from the pump, hoses & rack & pinion unit, especially around tube connections & dust boots. Also, check to see that the R&P unit is secure and not loose. It may have a loose mount and is wobbling under pressure.

See attached pics. Check the components for damage/looseness in the 1st pic:
1. Steering shaft
2. R&P unit (most suspicious, judging from the malfunction IAW the temp difference)
3. Tie rods
4. PWS pump
5. Hoses, tubes & connections

See 2nd pic for fluid check & bleeding procedures. The fluid may be checked when cold, and the level changes as the engine warms up (approx. 15-20 min. of driving). I wouldn't use generic power steering fluid to top it up; I would use Dexron-III/Mercon as specified in all manuals.

If all of the above turns out ok, then you can blame the R&P and get it replaced with a rebuilt unit. But if you're not unsure as to its condition or inspection procedures I listed, it may be worth paying a technician at a stealership/a shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes to ensure that the R&P unit is at fault.

Please note, that I'll delete the pics within the next 7 days, so make sure to save them in you PC before that.

Best of luck,


JPN

Attachment deleted.