I have a 2000 S80T6. Last week it started suddenly to make a noise when steering. The dealership thought the leak was a quickfix at first, I guess the hose clip tends to come off. After closer inspection it need some more major work. They replaced the steering rack with "volvo updated type unit" according to the invoice, indicating blown seals on the old unit. Thank goodness for certified preowned as it is just over 50k (52.5k) and I got the car at 47k. SO the $1400 repair only cost $50 plus a week in a new S60.

Here is my question. The new steering takes what appears to me more arm strength when turning then it used to. And I think more than the stiffer S60. Are the "updated type unit's" just that stiff and I need to hit the gym? Or do I need to get them to look at it.

I hate to be the guy that complains about everything not really broken but annoying. I already was gripping about the volvos idle hum to only find out last week is just a volvo thing as I noticed it present in the loaner with only 600miles on it, and actually it was more annoying. You would think for a $40,000 car it would purrr at idle not growl slightly. Service guys spiel is low emissions, yada yada yada.