Hey All,
I've had volvos all my life and a guy near me is selling a 2010 V50 2.4i. I gave it a test drive today and noticed there was a low whining sound that got louder as I turn the steering wheel. It was a weird sound as it didn't sound like it was something mechanical, almost sounded like it was an electronic sound, but definitely was affected when turning the wheel. I wasn't able to check the power steering fluid as it's behind the headlight.

Has anyone come across this issue? The car drove totally fine and I didn't feel any issue, but want to make sure it's not the beginning of a larger problem. Could it just need power steering fluid? Anything else that it could be?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

That car has an electric power steering pump. You might want to check the fluid. It should not be low unless there is a leak, hopefully it's a small slow leak. Headlamp pulls out easily with after removing part #21.

 

Hi Hoonk,
Thanks for that tip, didn't realize it was so easy to remove. After reading around I'm leaning towards it probably being power fluid low or contaminated. I'm going to see if I can see it again tomorrow and check it out.

 

I too was amazed when I figured out how easy it is to remove the headlights (after scratching my head wondering how anyone had hands small enough to change a headlight bulb). ;-)

Most power steering whining is caused by too-low, or grossly contaminated fluid. This can cause clogging of any filter (is it in the reservoir? I really don't know). Another cause can be by a bad seal on the input side of the pump - that can allow air to get into the fluid coming into the pump, which is then "ground up" by the pump, which makes that noise. If that's the case, it's just an O-ring or hose. Or, it can be a bad power steering pump. I see now that the pump and reservoir are integrated. Looks like a reasonably priced part ($260 from rockauto for a reman unit (after core return), though I'm betting 99% of boneyard Volvos have good power steering pumps as well - something to consider - looks like $100 will get you one from eBay).

 

Thanks Habbyguy! Yea if it's just the power steering pump that's no problem, i'm ok with spending a few extra hundred dollars to get it done right. I asked the seller if he can check the fluid today, waiting on him to get back to me.