Hi,
I am new to the group and in urgent need of some advice. I have a 2003 XC90 2.5L Turbo, the issue I am having is that its extremely hard to turn both directions at low speeds. I can give it gas and feel the steering start to ease a little. But it takes all my strength to turn the steering wheel left or right at slower speeds. I have replaced the power steering pump recently and it didn't help the issue. I am very mechanically inclined, but this has me scratching my head as I am used to working on older model American cars and trucks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated for this is the only vehicle we have that will fit the whole family.

Thanks in advance

 

If it was mine, I guess I would have no choice but to put a rack on it (I mean, what else is there?) but I do kinda feel like I'm calling up the parts cannon saying that. I have never really diagnosed a power steering problem. If it doesn't work, and you have pressure, then it's bad, right?

 

It could be the PS belt slipping.

 

I was able to do a power steering test yesterday. When at idle I get 200 PSI. On the dead head test i got 1425 PSI while running 1500 RPMs. When turning to left locked position I got 1400 PSI while at 1500 RPMs. Right locked position showed 850 PSI while at 1500 RPMs. I'm assuming this means the rack is bad. And also how do i tell if the car has variable assist steering. It 2003 XC90 base model 2.5 turbo.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi,
I know this is an old thread....but could you tell me the Gauge you used to take steering pressure readings please ?
I have similar problems on a 08 V70.
R