Hello all. I am the owner of a 2006 Volvo S60 2.5T. I am having some issues with my power steering system. I would like to get an opinion on what the issue could be. I've flushed the power steering system and I've replaced the power steering pump with a working used pump from another car that is exactly the same as mine. I also used CHF 202 as the power steering fluid. It would be greatly appreciated if I could get some advice on the issue. Thanks.

 

The lower steering shaft u-joint could be binding.

 

I've got the same problem. I have replaced the pump, flushed the fluid, replaced the u-joint AND jacked up tire pressure to 40psi (just to see what impact it had). Still pretty stiff at low speeds to the point where my wife says she doesn't want to drive it anymore. Rack doesn't leak though. Is it possible for rack to be shot even if no leak is present?

 

This is almost always a failed rack and pinion unit. While it is rare, it does happen. We had one a couple of years ago that other than the stiff steering, the car was well maintained. We concluded that it was traded in and we bought it for a song with a bad rack.

We sourced a reman rack and dumped all of the oil fluid, flushing the lines and replacing the reservoir and cap. Installed the new rack, used correct fluid and the car drove like a dream. I believe that we spent about $500 in parts.

 

Thank you, Tony. Would you take the risk of going with a wreckyard rack or would you suggest reman?

 

I prefer the convenience of reman parts.