Hi everyone. The steering wheel of my xc90 goes in and out about 1cm from where the wheel contacts the steering column. The steering wheel adjustment lever can still lock the tilt and lower reach adjustment (where the steering column into the floor). I have removed the airbag and check the center nut was all good, then remove the steering wheel and found it is the upper steering column that is loose.

As I remember when any problem started it was firstly the steering wheel feels heavy to turn. Then there was some noise and squeaky inside the steering column and the wheel was almost jammed when turning. I had to turn the wheel by force then I think I broke something inside the steering column. The wheel then turns as normal but the wheel now can be pulled or pushed in and out of the steering column freely by about 1cm.

I suspect it is the upper bearing inside the steering column was broken. I am not sure if the steering column can be separated apart or I have to get the whole steering column replaced? Also as I can't remember what the reach adjustment was like when it was working, I was wondering if anyone can tell me when you do the reach adjustment, only the low steering column (column into the floor) is adjustable, the upper part (between wheel and the column) shouldn't be moving? Has the xc90's steering column ever been upgraded in the 11 years of time (like the air compressor was different among models)?

Thanks for your help!

 

Hi, I have the same problem, did you find out how to fix it?

 

I know this is super old...but here it is for the next person. You can tighten the locking mechanism on the steering column.

1. Remove plastic cover from top and bottom of steering column. Snaps together on the top and 2 or 3 torx screws on the under side.
2. Under the steering column, there is a white plastic wiring harness protector...detach that so you can just access the access slot on the under side of the steering column. You do not need to completely remove this, just get it loose.
3. I did this the "wrong way", but you need to get the plastic adjustment lever off of the left side of the steering column. There is not enough room to slide it off the side, so I twisted and pulled until the plastic broke and I was then able to get it off. Mine broke in a way that it came off, it went back on and seems to mostly stay on now that it is broken. My guess is to do this step right, you have to dismantle the entire dash.
4. Now that everything is out in the open you will see a large round and flat "nut" on the right side, in the middle is a hex threaded rod and the left side under where the plastic adjustment handle was is a bolt and plastic washer. This is the assembly that you need to tighten.
5. Use a 7/32" allen wrench on the large circle nut on the right side and a vise grips on the nut on the left side to tighten things. You might need to use a 13mm wrench on the threaded rod to work on one side at a time.

The idea is to tighten up both side so that with the adjustment lever disengaged, the column moves...I kept over tightening once I figured out what parts to work on...so some trial and error might be needed.

 

Hello, can anyone tell me if the V70 STEERING ANGLE SENSOR should turn smoothly in both directions when it is not on the vehicle? My 2006 V70 was giving a SAS error so I bought another on Ebay but when I have the original, or the 'Ebay' one in my hand neither turns smootly through 360 degrees. Also is it OK to turn the centre of these units when not on the car? Both my original and Ebay ones appear to be able to turn 6 times before fining some resistance. I see new ones have a screw to stop them turning in transit, but does this screw also show that this is the 'install position' ? It seems the unit can be fitted 360 or more degrees from this position.

 

With a used part (that you have removed the screw and messed with), I would follow Volvos procedure to recenter the sensor before installation.