Hi everyone.
This is my 2001 S80 2.5TDi and the steering has become stiffer and lumpy.
When I’m driving, I have so steer harder when I go on a curve but then it becomes lighter. It is lumpy and as per the video there are stiffer and lighter spots. Also, it makes this noise only when I steer left.
If the wheels are jacked up, there is no noise.
I already flushed the system with new fluid and bled completely.
The pump is less than 2 years old (fitted by a previous owner)
Could be the steering rack?
Here’s a video of what I’m talking about

 

The steering on the 720k miles S80 is much better now.
I have managed to get access to the Universal Joint and sprayed with Lithium grease, turned a few times and also sprayed from the engine bay to make sure nothing is missed.
And it worked! Steering is lighter and smoother than ever and combined with the fluid flush done a few day ago, it performs really well.
However, it still make that rubbing noise when turning left, so the suspension component will be next as I have a feeling it could be a ball joint. This was the save many years ago when I had a BMW E28.
Also, I was told that the engine mounts (which are shot) could be also be causing the noise due to excess vibration and therefore causing strain in the steering system. We’ll see…