Hi, I own a 2005 S40 and lately it makes a creaking noise when I turn the wheel in both directions. However, it only makes the noise when I'm at a standstill or going very slow such as parking and/or leaving the garage...not while I'm driving over 20 mph.

I took it to the dealer a week ago and went along for a drive w/the tech and he said, without even inspecting it, that he was 100% sure it was the steering rack and pinion.

Just a month ago I had a service which included a flushing of the power steering fluid and system and replacement with new fluid. But the sound was there prior to that service...that's why I requested it.

the only way to fix the problem was to replace the whole assembly since there are no independent parts..quoted me a price around $400-$500 to replace it.

My concern was mainly whether the issue would affect performance or get worse and damage something else. the tech said "no" and that most people don't even notice it due to the radio, wind noise, etc.. He also stated that it's a typical problem that usually occurs around the 80k-100k mile range.

My car currently has 126k miles.

Does this diagnosis sound correct to those of you "in the know"? Any suggestions? should I have a sense of urgency in replacement, or can I wait as long as I can deal w/the noise?