Hi, I'm new here. I have a 2001 S40 and I seem to have a problem with the power steering...

Symptoms are:

1. The steering is very heavy for a car with power steering...
2. When I turn the wheel to full lock (either side) I can hear a "Shhhhhhhshhhshhshsh" ing sound???
3. at speed the steering is fine... when trying to park in a small space the steering gets very heavy... almost like the power steering is not working at all...
4. Sometimes (not often though) its fine even at parking speed...

I've checked all the fluid levels are they are fine.. I've looked under the car and there is no sign of leakage etc..

Anyone any ideas....???

Thanks

 

Either the pump or rack is going bad.
With the car running look at the fluid in the resivior and see if it is moving around.If it is then the rack is bad.