Steering: 70: Power Steering Pump

[Volvophile]

After a long period off the road, my S70 returned to daily use a couple of months ago and ever since, there has been a loud noise off the power steering pump whenever the steering is held at a certain angle when turning. Aside from that, there is no problem with the steering's function.

I have checked the power steering fluid level and it is near the top, although I am considering flushing the system and putting new fluid in. Would this go towards curing the problem I wonder or is it a case of the pump being on the way out and needing to be replaced?

[warninglight]

Hard to know really!

My S70 was like that when bought, and was no different 8 months and 18,000 miles later.

My C70 was making similar noises when I bought it, and the pump packed in the following day, but it had been out of use for a year or so.

The pump isn't a particularly difficult job to do, the time consuming bit is making up a little 'key' to slacken off the alternator belt tensioner. I got a pump for good money from Ripsta33, and there are plenty of breaker 850/x70s on here too...

The S70 which soldiered on felt like it had 'tight' spots in the steering, whereas the C70 was more a vibration through the wheel when steering at parking speeds, not sure if that's significant or not!