I notice that my power steering comes and goes at both high and low speed equal on both sides. I have a 2001 s60 with 130K.

I took it to the shop today. They say that mechanically everything is fine and are looking into an electrically reason why the power steering is intermittent.

They test dove the car and had the same problem I was having with sluggish power steering.

Any thoughts?

The mechanics figured out that the U-joints on the steering column were rusty and binding up. The put a ton of WD-40 and heavy lube on them and now the wheel seems to be turning easily again.

Hopefully this solved the problem and I won't need a new rack anytime soon.

Thanks for the input!

When you say "mechanically everything is fine" what all did they test? Did they hook up a pressure gauge into the lines and verify the pump is putting out 10-11MPa's ? That will verify the pump is good. There is also another test that you turn a torque spanner (installed in steering wheel) each side until the pressure in the lines is 1.2 MPa. The spanner should indicate its only 2.5-3.5 Nm to turn it, otherwise your steering gear is shot (or in the process of going...) .

You should be able to call the shop and verify these tests were done to clear your steering gear and your pump. I'm wondering if perhaps your pump is having issues keeping the pressure up while you use it.. I don't think you want to hear this, but the dealer shouldn't charge more than an hour and a half to do this.



I'm hoping someone can confirm or correct me, but I don't think the speed-sensitive steering didn't come around until '04. Therefore I'm not entirely sure what electronics could be causing intermittency..