If it normal that the steering wheel is hard to turn. The salesman said it came with some kind of option for steering(forgot the name), but I hate it when I have to park, it feels like there is no power steering and hard to turn.
Is it normal?
S60 2.5T awd

 

No it isn't normal (Tech, am I right?).

Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir, and top up if necessary with the correct type of fluid. DO NOT use generic power steering fluid, be sure to use the one specified by Volvo. The correct fluid should be indicated in the owner's manual.

If the fluid level is ok, the problem could be slipping accessory belt (I kind of doubt this one, though), or some internal hydraulic system problem in the rack & pinion assembly. In which case, have a reputable shop (preferably an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes) diagnose it.

Good luck,


JPN

P.S: Only 2004 S60 has the following recall in the steering system:




2004 VOLVO S60 Recall ID from NHTSA: 04V029000

Auto Recall Date: 20040116
Vehicle Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 29986
2004 VOLVO S60 Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY AND, AS A RESULT, THE STUD AND NUT THAT SECURE THE ARM TO THE SPINDLE MAY LOSE THEIR INITIAL AXIAL TENSION. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE STEERING MAY BECOME LESS RESPONSIVE AND THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE STEERING WHEEL PLAY.
Defect Consequence:
THIS DRIVING CONDITION COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE FRONT CONTROL ARM AND THE SPINDLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TYPE OF NUT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
Notes: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC., R133

 

ok thanks went back to the dealer and finaly they said it is some kind of selenoid or relay. They will fix it next week.
Though I am starting to get a little worried, The car seems to have a lot of little problems like this. I got the old owners maintenance report and a lot of things have been changed on this vehicule. Like steering linkage, back shocks, AC compressor, batery, etc etc which total over $5000. The vehicule is a 2004 with only 80000KM which is about 50K miles. I don't want to start a debate here but I had a 2002 Ford Escape I traded in with about 80K miles on it and all ever did on it besides brakes is tie-rod ends on both sides for a total of about $250. I baught a volvo because most people say it is a reliable car. Should I worry? wondering if I did the right thing........