Hey y'all
I have a 2004 S60 awd 2.4l 2.5T, and since I have bought the car the power steering has been stiff. It seems to get better as I'm driving, however I was low on coolant and saw that the incorrect coolant was used by the previous owner. So I suspect that the incorrect power steering fluid could possibly have been used. I took the car in for tires and an oil change and told my guy to drain the power steering rack and the power steering reservoir and replace the fluid with the correct fluid. Does anyone think this could be causing the steering to be stiff? I decided that it was the first thing I should do rather than buying another rack before checking the fluid first. This car is not brand new and I've dumped some money into it already and not really looking to dump another grand in it if it isn't necessary. Either way I'll let you guys know what happens. Thank youse!

 

I don't think you will have to replace the rack unless it is leaking. Is the power steering pump making any whirring noises when you turn the wheel? Maybe the pump isn't supplying enough pressure like it would in its prime. CHF-202 is the correct power steering fluid for your car. I would also inspect the lines for leaks. The high pressure line can be prone to leaks (from the pump to the rack) especially where the rubber meets the metal line on the end. The crimp itself will leak.

 

No sir no whining at all, and I'm pretty sure it isn't leaking at all because the resivoir is full. It's at the shop right now getting new tires put on and while they were already into it I'm having them drain the power steering fluid completely out of the rack and resivoir. I'm hoping that my detective work was right and the incorrect fluid was used. Although neither situation is ideal. The steering was super stiff unless the car was hot and been driven every day for a week or so. I'm currently in search for the remanned rack although I'm not positive if the car takes a rack with or without the speed assist steering. Thanks for answering my question I greatly appreciate it.

 

Picked her up from the shop and she's steering much better. The fluid that was dragging ned was brown in color Wich says to me the did indeed top it up with atf... I'm going back in a couple weeks and going to drain it again and see if it gets even better but it's steering a whole lot better. Fast as ever. Thank you

 

Thats good to hear! Glad you don’t need a new steering rack.

 

Getting a lot done on this S60 lately. I replaced the struts, the new CV axles are coming for the front and the front hub assemblies are also on the way. I just put a new set of snow tires and they were rubbing so I needed struts and the steering limiters we're also worn so it was rubbing when I was steering and over bumps. This thing needed a lot of work and still needs a bit more but man it's a snappy, fast, fun car to drive and it's very comfortable. I drive a crown Vic normally and it's a smooth ride and is no slouch on the horsepower but it's getting to be winter and I need the all wheel drive.

 

For what it's worth, I got tire rub with 235/45/R17 tires on my 2006 S60. Seems once you hit 235 the width will rub on the wheel well liner. You will see the rub marks on tons of S60s if you see it with the tire off. I opted for wheel spacers 10mm in front and 15mm (cosmetic) in rear to prevent rubbing when turning. Also helped decrease the huge turning radius. I miss the handling of my old car since I did a few upgrades on it and it had such little body roll. My 2018 S60 is a normal adult car, I don't want to grow up