S40 - Steering noise

[FunkyMelon]

Hi all,

Another day another problem.

This noise started about 2 weeks ago and only happens when I turn the wheel left, steering right is fine with no sounds other than the usual slight wurr of the power steering pump.

https://youtu.be/KPLq4zOFjiI

Any ideas? Power steering fluid level looks OK - Perhaps a smidge below the minimum but nowhere near enough I would have thought to make the sort of noise I'm getting. Driving and steering itself seems fine, apart from the noise

TIA

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

Hi all,

Another day another problem.

This noise started about 2 weeks ago and only happens when I turn the wheel left, steering right is fine with no sounds other than the usual slight wurr of the power steering pump.

https://youtu.be/KPLq4zOFjiI

Any ideas? Power steering fluid level looks OK - Perhaps a smidge below the minimum but nowhere near enough I would have thought to make the sort of noise I'm getting. Driving and steering itself seems fine, apart from the noise

TIA

start by topping the fluid up, "min" is ,, the min it needs to work,, aim for "just below max" rather than below min,,
turn lock to lock a few times after topping up Then recheck fluid level , again aiming for just below max ,,,

[FunkyMelon]

Thanks, have ordered some Volvo fluid to see if it makes a difference, I'm not hopeful as I'd image the noise would happen steering both left and right if it was the fluid.

Guess we'll find out!

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by FunkyMelon

Thanks, have ordered some Volvo fluid to see if it makes a difference, I'm not hopeful as I'd image the noise would happen steering both left and right if it was the fluid.

Guess we'll find out!

cheapest + easiest option First
Plus "below min" Will cause issues with the pump and rack that Will end up costing "HOW MUCH!!!!" comments when you get the Quote for Just the parts.

next would be Top mounts for the front shocks, (not an expensive part but OH so much fun taking the strut out to change the top mount,, and Spring compressor fun, along with bolts + nuts that havent been touched since the car was built and live in All the muck throw up by the tyres goodness )

[FunkyMelon]

Hmm, I think this maybe suspension/top mount related.

I got out from the car and when I reached in to grab my bag I heard a small squeak just like the noise when steering left. I bounced the drivers wing up and down and it squeaked each time. Could this be top mounts? I wonder if it's just the stress of the wheel turning that bends the chassis slightly causing this noise.

[eric19371]

I would check suspension mount and wheel bearings first. I had a similar issue on our S40 and it turned out it was the middle bearing so get that checked when you have exhausted other options.