I recently was gifted a 2001 s60 with 130K. The car was checked over and the mechanic said everything was tip top in Boston.

On my drive to Baltimore from Boston the steering became stiff at time. While driving around Baltimore half of the time it's easy to move the steering wheel through shape turns and the other half you have to wrestle the wheel with a lot of strength.

Any thoughts? Also I'm new to the Baltimore area and in need of an honest and good volvo mechanic.

Sorry, I can't recommend anyone for you, I haven't been out here long enough to need work.. There's a guy Art on the RWD forum that lives out this way and will likely have a suggestion or two on who to see. I'd either send him a message or post over there and you'll get your recommendation...


First question: The PS is intermittent while turning both ways, not just good left turns bad right turns right?

Secondly: Do you usually do your own work?

If yes, how's the fluid look? If it doesn't look new, flush it. It should be ATF in it so if its not a red its dirty. If its quite dirty you could have some gunk in the line thats causing it to stall out.

It's bad turning both ways. Then when it's normal again moving the wheel is very easy in both directions.

I sold my 240 brick (very sad about having to do that) which I did most of my own work on (brakes, rotors, tune up, etc.) The 240 was super roomy to work on and relatively intuitive.

When I open the hood to the s60 I don't even know where to begin. It seems like you need special tools just to get inside the engine compartment. When I had it inspected the said it needs new rotors all around (this car sounds pricey).

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll email Art now. He was great help when I replaced my 240 sending unit.

Hopefully, someone will point you to a good Volvo independent shop. In the meantime, check the serpentine belt for slipping or cracks. The S-beslt is easy to replace if you need to.

Also check the PS fluid level and clarity. You might want it flushed with a synthetic fluid, which is easier on the PS pump.

Klaus
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Two great Volvos, a 1967 220 and a 1998 V70R