Steering: Steering heavy when reversing

[Durosity]

Howdy! My 2003 XC90 (2.9 T6) has started having a rather horrible problem when reversing where the steering becomes exceptionally hard. Of course this only really happens when trying to reverse out of a tight parking space, and it’s become quite problematic over the last few months. Also, potentially related when I drive from cold there a ticking sound coming from what I think is the front driver side wheel (RHD) which goes away after about a mile of driving.

Anyone have any ideas? I’ve never really had much of an interest in trying to fix car issues myself but I’m starting to get a bit more hands on with these things.. but unfortunately my knowledge is still way too low to be able to diagnose this kind of fault!

[john langrick]

Can't advise on the steering issue, but got the 't' shirt on the ticking, the noise sounds like a cracked ABS ring. Interfering with the abs sensor. You will shortly be getting an error msg if this is the case. should be able to see the abs ring if you turn the wheels, but will need to lift off the ground to inspect by rotating the wheel. Even easier if you remove the wheel. Look behind the disc hub and you will see a toothed hub about 4" diameter. Rotate the hub and inspect it all around the circumference.

If cracked, am easy fix by your garage, preferably indie, but any garage should be able to change an abs ring.

Hope this helps

John l

[Tannaton]

It's probably just heavy steering when low speed maneuvers, the system doesn't know which direction the car is moving...

First step is to change the power steering fluid. Get a 99p turkey baster from Wilko or wherever and use that to empty the reservoir, then refill with fresh. Start the engine and do 5 full turns from lock to lock - then turn off and repeat. After about 5 cycles you will have ~ 90% new fluid. Costs around £10 to do an often makes a difference.

[oragex]

Do you mean, if you drive forward at slow speed, it's fine ? I'm thinking maybe the speed sensitive steering sensor has an issue related to reversing. May also have to do with very worn subframe bushes, assuming the subframe is moving when reversing and it's blocking the lower steering coupler. But less probable unless the car has really many miles (well over 200K). For the ticking sound, see if the drive shaft center bolts (14mm) are properly tight

[Durosity]

Those are all very good ideas. It’s done about 125k so less likely to be the subframe. I’m waiting for a little free time after everyone goes back to work in January and will check out see if any of this helps. I’ll likely be back with pictures and questions!