I just picked up a 2004 S80 with the 2.5t AWD drivetrain for $600. it Has issues where the steering gets tight a certain positions and then loosens. it does it both ways. I am hoping its the steering U-joint that needs to be sprayed and greased. What are the chances that the rack itself is bad? I have heard of leaks requiring replacement but not tightness in the steering. If its helpful, there is no change in engine noise or revs when the steering goes through the tight spots. Also the steering is tight with no play and the car tracks straight while driving and braking.

Car had codes P0740 (torque convertor lockup Solenoid). Car shifted fine on the test drive and the drive home. The fluid was black color so my plan is to do a drain and fill and hopefully solves that problem. Has anybody been able to solve P0740 simply by changing out the fluid?

Any advice or suggestions are highly appreciated.

Here is a pic of the car.



Thanks