I do not think my last post went through. Sorry if this repeats.

2002 s80 T6 with 84k in good shape had a power steering groan (low pitch not a belt). I topped up the fluid, but it was still there.

Dealer and independent both said it is the pump that groans. The independent said keep track of the fluid, but I could live with it. Both said the rack was in good shape. Dealer said they saw signs of a small leak on the pump and the resevoir (maybe). I have not had dripping under the car.

I replaced the pump (after market the Volvo site) and resevoir and hose clamps(OEM Dealer)myself.I bled it per VADIS. That reduced the volume of the groan, but it is still there. After this, the groan is generally limited to very slow turns and stops at ful lock of the wheel.

It has been 6 days (3 or four of driving) since I did this and it seems to be quiet in the morning after sitting over night, but groans after 15 to 30 miutes of driving. One morning the fluid dropped a little (still cold full) and I had no noise for 25 minutes even when I tried turns from a full stop.

Any suggestions? I know the dealer will say, start replacing hoses which I can do but it is $$$ and a pain.

 

Does the fluid have alot of bubbles in it when it is groaning?

 

No bubbles, a little motion. No foam. Groan inside the car but can not hear it outside the car with engine running. Groaning a lot tonight. When it cools down I will check the level. My guess is a leak I can not see from the top, but it is not bad enogh to show up on the cardboard under the car.

Thanks

 

Have you had any work done lately that required the subframe to be removed?

 

I had the front struts replaced with cut a strut Koni FSDs, but I do not think that requires subframe removal.

 

No but heres what I want you to look for. Where the column goes through the floor. There is a bearing also a metal sleeve. See if the sleeve walked up and came off the bearing. If so it allows noise to enter the cabin.

 

Do I look under the boot where the column enters the floor?

 

IOt would slide between the boot and the shaft.

 

Pulledup the boot and found a second boot. I released the spring ring clip on that boot but could not easily pull ithe second boot up. I assume the bearing and sleeve are under the second boot right at the floor. Does the second boot just pull up?

 

By the way the sound is directly below the shaft, moving slightly left or right as I turn.Starts after 20 minutes of idling not just driving, so its heat. Maybe something expands and restricts fluid flow.

 

It was not the column sleeve. Volvo Dealer just caled and said after looking it overit is not the steering pump, rack etc. They think it is the spring seat bearing on thepassenger side strut. The retaining nut was loose. Once we lubed it the sound seemed to be gone. The concern is the bearing may be damaged but we will wait and see if it comes back over time. The struts, spring seats etc are new (2k miles), so it would appear the installer may not have tightened the nut properly.

I have not driven it yet, but does anyone think this is possible the cause of a groaning noise at low speed turns? Sure sounded like a power steering isuse, but if it is gone by lubing the bearing and tightening it down, who knows.

 

Could be possible.

 

Two new expensive OEM strutmounts/bearings and she runs quite again. BetI wasted some time and money replacing the pump as I doubt that was really the prolem, but DIY was a lot cheaper than what the delaer wanted and I still would have had to repalce the strut mounts. One tip, do not ever use after market strut mounts or spring seats even from a reputable supplier, they failed in 3000 miles or so. Waste of money.

Thanks to all for the input

 

The Boge ones are OEM ones. Also alot of People are buying XC90 ones they are alot beefer than the S80 ones.