Hi, I'm new, we have had a couple volvo's kicking around since 1990

moved my daughters S70 the other day and the steering was stiff, no leaks from the pump or rack, no noise from the pump, jacked it up, still stiff, same resistance on the wheel shut off or running. you folks think it's the pump?

Thanks Pat

 

Is the fluid moving around inside the bottle when the motor is running?
If so then it is not the pump.

 

Nope all is very still.

 

Then I would look at the pump.

 

Thanks Tech, Any tricks to change the pump, or other info. I might need

 

Is it constantly stiff or more intermittent? I had a similar problem on my 850, the steering was stiff in places, replaced the pump and nothing changed, got a new rack and pinion, and while getting ready to take out the old one, noticed that the joint in the steering column was stiff, right below the steering wheel, disconnected the column from the rack and pinion, moved it around a little bit, and put it back together and it was like new, turned out we had bought a pump and rack n' pinion for nothing.

 

it's constantly stiff, like I said no howls or leaks, when jacked up feels the same shut off or running

 

It is not that hard to change out. You can also inspect the coupler you can see it from the top. See if it looks at all rusty.

 

Ok, going to take the pump off and have a shop rebuild it, do you remove the bracket with the pump or just the pump, looks like a couple behind the pulley, what is there about 5 in all? Thought I would ask the pro's before a lot of extra work

 

I believe about 5 screws.
The main bracket stays but I believe the rear one comes off.(Sorry I just take it all apart and put it back. I have done it so many times its hard to keep track)

 

Finally got a chance to get the pump back on, my daughter is at college so no rush. Same thing steering is still stiff or heavy, it couldn't be a strut could it? All is quiet when you turn the wheel and no banging when you drive it. Once I put the insurance back on I'll take it to a local shop and get it up on a hoist and unhook the outer tie rods, I'll keep you posted.

 

Check the coupler at the rack and see if you can see rust on it.

 

Mine too is acting up, but mine is not constant, it is more like stiff every quarter of a turn. Then ok, then stiff again.

I looked in the Reservoir while my wife turned the wheel back and forth. Under my flashlight it did look as if the fluid was moving a little, but I am not sure if it was from a pump, or from the vibration of the car. Should it be swirling a lot? Or just a little? I am going to try to get it on a lift this week to look at the coupler.

My car is a 99 S70 T5.