Hey Guys,
I've got an 02 S60 T5 with about 220,000 miles. Over the last 9 months or so, the steering has been getting progressively worse. For a while it was just temporarily hard to turn, like every now and then the PS wouldn't work. Now it's to the point where there's almost no power steering, and almost impossible to steer.

I replaced the pump last night and followed the burbing instructions in VADIS, turning lock to lock 20 times, lowering, turning more, etc.

I'm not sure where in the next few days it'll work itself out or not, but what're the chances it's the rack?

The car is still in great shape and the pump was cheap, but a rack is another story... Just looking for some input on possible causes.

thanks
Jim

 

Is the fluid bottle good?

 

yeah, bottle's good, but how would that affect the steering that much.. no leaks or anything

 

If the tube inside fell off it would airate the system and act like it is low on power steering fluid.

 

Did you check the u-joint on the steering post?
In engine compartment, look down towards bottom of firewall oh LH side.
Try putting some lightweight oil on u-joint.
JP

 

Did you check the u-joint on the steering post?
In engine compartment, look down towards bottom of firewall on LH side.
Try putting some lightweight oil on u-joint.
JP

 

the reservoir is the weak point as tech said but your rack is probably nearing the end of its life.