My 850 has a torn CV joint boot. It is making the typical "clicking" noises when turning. There is one other thing that is happening. The PS seems to be off except at dead center. Not experienced this... Would this be another symptom of a bad joint? Is the joint in imminent danger of exploding? The PS pump is working and the fluid level is fine with no sign of a rack leak. Any thoughts?


Thanks for any help!

Turns out it was the lower steering shaft u-joint. I hit it with PB Blaster and white lithium grease and that seemed to do the trick. For public knowledge - sometimes it takes multiple tries to free-up that u-joint when it binds!

Yesterday I greased the CV joint. By the end of the day there was some improvement. So I believe (and hope...:) that it is simply a CV joint that was starting to seize up from being dry. I also lubed the lower steering shaft u-joint some days ago with no change.

My 240 had both a bad rack and a bad lower steering shaft u-joint. This problem feels more like a binding steering shaft u-joint than a bad rack. I have flushed the PS fluid twice and replaced with synthetic ATF in the last 4 years so I seriously doubt it is the rack.

Both outer tie rods have been replaced in the last couple of years. I will check the inner ones.

Will update, thx!


Jim

Torn boot with clicking while turning means its time to replace that CV joint.
The rack is another issue.

power steering off is indication of only tie rod.....if your steering is clicking check your tie rods (inner and outer) dangerous to drive with bad tie rods as you probably know. Axles are not expensive to replace. See IPD for new ones. They sell a replacement brand they seem to think is very good.