2009 power steering very heavy

[Faybo73]

Fantastic that's brilliant news.i can point my local 4x4 specialist in that direction as I know it will be considerably cheaper than volvo.

Once I get this done I will post to confirm that this is a definitive fix for these symptoms.

Thanks again for your input.

[bobdabuilda]

My 07 had the same issue at 120kmiles and it was the PAS pump. They are not as bulletproof as often claimed, like any car, things can and will go wrong!

[osullivant]

I had this problem and solved it with a flush of fluid. followed by full 4 wheel alignment and new tyres.

not sure which factor helped most I think it was the fluid and the tyre pressures....

[oragex]

Originally Posted by Clan

only two things left before you change the rack , get a Max pressure test done on the pump , It should produce over 120 Bar , it still could be the pressure relief valve in the pump sticking open

Clan, do you know where the relief valve is located inside the pump? Is it this part ?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by oragex

Clan, do you know where the relief valve is located inside the pump? Is it this part ?

I have never taken one apart , generally the Power steering pumps are very reliable , ( except for the few mentioned here ! ) Exchange ones are £365 but certainly worth trying a used one, almost guaranteed to be ok .

[jtaw45]

I had steering issues with my 09 XC90,mainly a slight scraping sound and very heavy steering. After lots and lots of visits to the dealer and lots of parts replaced it turned out to be a valve in the PAS steering pipework. Replaced the pipes and problem solved. It was real head scratcher for the dealer and they literally spent a fortune trying to solve it (thankfully under warranty) and lots of time on the phone to Sweeden. It was literally the only thing they hadn't changed.

[Faybo73]

Can you remember approximately what the cost could have been? As the pumps are not cheap on these cars and maybe the pipes could be to try first. Thanks again for your reply good to get some conclusions to these symptoms.

[Faybo73]

Well good news. My independent 4x4 specialist replaced the power steering pump and all is good feels as good as new.

Thank you all for your input and even though my car has done nearly 250k the rest of the components are still in good condition as well.

[Sprayerman]

Can I ask what a swirl arm is please as I am also having heavy steering issues but not all the time. I have topped up fluid. Any advice would be much appreciated. T. I. A.

[SwissXC90]

A swirl arm alters the swirling of the air-fuel mix in the inlet manifold.

It is there to help combustion at low RPM

It has absolutely nothing to do with Power Steering