I have had this problem since day one of having the car.

When it gets cold outside I hear a steering groan noise. It is everytime I turn the wheel left or right doesn't matter.

Now Volvo has "FIXED" this multiple times. Supposedly something needs greased and it is good to go. Ok well they grease it and 5 minutes later to a day later it is back again.

So now that it is getting colder outside it is doing it again. Now I could take it to Volvo and have them grease it and then have the problem come back again.

My question is what the heck can fix this for good. I mean it is really annoying.

 

I could see it if it got cold enough that the power steering fluid starting losing viscosity. But I don't think that its that cold in Pennsylvania yet.

 

i had that problem when i got my car about a year ago, what i found was that you have to do a proper clean to where you have refered to as "greased area".

by then, i mean, you have to.. let's say do it today, then again 2 days later, for 4, 5 times.

As far as i know it's caused by dust/ dirt, have you tried greasing it yourself? it's a little white plastic ring with covers the steering linkage, you might be able to do a better job then them

 

Does it sound like in the steering wheel or under the dash?

 

I know what it is and where it is. But no I haven't done it myself. I wont do it myself and screw something up. Trust me it can be done even if it is the easiest thing in the world to do just trust me.

I sounds like it is in the column.

 

ok fair enough, i was just thinking, wouldn;t the only solution be having the steering column replaced? but still that's not going to last forever till it makes a noise again..

 

Im wondering if they just greased the SRS contact reel.
There is a pin on the back of the steering wheel that slides on the metal ring on the contact reel.
No real good way to keep it greased.
When the wheel is turned it keeps wiping the grease away.
But most cars arent as bad with making the noise as yours.
I usually install silicon grease when I have to fix them it lasts longer.

 

I had to go up to PA for Thanksgiving where its a lot colder than DC and also hear the groan. Mine only last for about 1 min after starting the car in the cold weather. If its not going to damage anything I done really mind because it doesnt seem to last very long at all.