That would be correct on a car that has speed sensitive steering, but this car hasn’t… so the speed theory doesn’t apply (as far as I’m aware). It doesn’t get firm the faster you go or lighter around town like some cars do.

There was an error code for a speed sensor in VIDA. Car drives fine, no warning lights on the dash. I don’t think this error has any relation to the heavy steering personally, as the car doesn’t have speed sensitive steering. Likely it just threw a few codes because of a previously low battery… modern cars have a habit of doing that… Its a historic code. The battery has since been replaced.

I think the system is pure hydraulic. I don’t think its new enough to have electro hydraulic.

The steering is heavy all the time. There’s definitely “some” assistance, but its definitely heavier than it should be.

My 1989 XJ-S had speed sensitive steering... And that was fully hydraulic. Just to make you aware, that it isn't a modern system. It can just be a stuck valve in the pinion (which is where the XJ-S steering rack adjusts).

A failing pump will not put out enough pressure at idle engine speed, but will usually be able to develop pressure at higher engine speeds.

If you rev the engine and the steering force becomes lighter, this proves the pump is dying.

I was referring to a speed sensitive steering. A general PAS with no speed sensor would be able to be checked like you write/say.

Volvosweden has a vid showing how to change the steering fluid and clean the filter. If you don't want to jack the car up, put a couple of bin liners under the front wheels so you don't scuff your tyres. Make sure that you use the correct fluid.

Just picked the car up after some suspension work was done. It had new front control arms and rear trailing arms, plus a 4-wheel alignment.

The steering seems remarkably lighter than it was. By no means is it light, but its no where as heavy?

I've recorded a video, but never got round to editing it yet 🙄

It's a massive ballache of a job purely due to limited access. I typed up a text explanation of how to do it as a reply to someone else having the same problem.

the Volvo pump is super expensive, its generally considered that the Meyle pump is a reasonably priced alternative from a known brand.

I guess poor alignment with the tyres scuffing could have made the steering feel heavier.

Have you tried giving it a big rev while parked and turning yet, to see if it makes a difference.

160k is end of life for the original pumps usually

Yes, I tried that today. The steering gets lighter roughly around 2,500 rpm, but like I said, its definitely lighter since the suspension work was done.

I know the pump is probably on its way out though, but I'm going to try a power steering fluid change anyway because its never had one since my Dad has owned it. I figure new fluid won't do any harm. I know it won't solve the problem, but at least its not going to be operating with dirty fluid.

Its just had a hefty suspension bill (control arms and rear trailing arm bushes, plus alignment). Not so long ago, it had a full set of shock absorbers including top mounts.

My Dad doesn't particularly want to spend big bucks replacing the pump at this stage in time. I know the pump will give in eventually, but for now, its okay. I think he plans to keep it for a while, but I don't think he'd be spending mega money on it going forward. There reaches a point when its not viable.

If you wouldn't mind sharing the video or text you did to this thread, it may help others in future.

I will try and get round the editing up the video at some point.

Regarding a fluid change, just incase you are not aware....

Don't pay extra for the "Volvo" fluid as you can buy the exact same stuff at the Ford dealer for significantly less (Ford WSS-M2C204)

If you don't want "dealer" stuff, then the cheapest correct fluid is MANNOL Central Hydraulic Fluid CHF 11S

After going to the effort of replacing my pump, I will be giving the fluid an annual change to stop it wearing out again, so I keep lots of the Mannol CHF 11S in stock