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Steering resistance from my 88' 245 200

posted by  Hayduke on  Thu Mar 29 15:06 CST 2007
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last visit: Sat Dec 1 14:50 CST 2007
[RELATED]

My 88' 245 has become increasingly more difficult to steer. It started on very cold winter mornings, but now does it all the time. When you turn the wheel there is quite a bit of resistance, kind of like you have two flat front tires (witch I do not). When you turn the wheel and let go of it, the steering will not return to center, it just stays where you put it. There is no play in the steering at all (very tight), and the power steering fluid is full and seems normal. Anyone have any advice? Thank you.








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    Steering resistance from my 88' 245 200

    posted by  someone claiming to be peter on  Mon Apr 2 04:53 CST 2007 [RELATED]

    I've been working in Volvo garages for the past 12 years and the first thing to check is the steering column U-joints( there are 2 of them). The lower one usually freezes up due to lack of lube. If you caught it soon enough you may be able to save it with lots of penetrating spray lubes. The part is not cheap from the dealer.

    check it out
    peter








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    Steering resistance from my 88' 245 200

    posted by  Maxspeed on  Thu Mar 29 18:32 CST 2007
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    last visit: Mon Jan 20 21:55 CST 2014
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    Just a guess. The power steering pump is going out or, the belt is slipping. Possible, the rack assembley needs replacing. The 88 could have either the Z or Cam rack assembly. Check the boots. One unit uses greese while the other uses oil. See if they have fluid. Suspension parts can be binding. IE..Tie rod ends, Ball joint, Upper bearings in strut mount. You said it was increasingly more difficult, that, and the fact it started in the cold, is typical of the rack.. Not really a bad job. Two U-bolts, fluid lines, tie rod end removal and steering joint.
    --
    Max..1989 244 DL 5 Spd., V15 Phase II Cam Bilstein HD, Turbo Swaybars, Poly Bushings all round, Turbo Wheels, Black leather interior, Electric mirrors, LED dash and gauge lights and now NEW ECODES with the turn signals, 1992 black 244 next project








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    Steering resistance from my 88' 245 200

    posted by  B.C. on  Thu Mar 29 17:54 CST 2007
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    last visit: Wed Mar 28 22:28 CST 2012
    [RELATED]

    As you know, there are a number of places of resistance, plus alignment. Easiest thing I can think of is to lubricate the U-joints in the steering column.

    Put on a lot of silicone spray, ATF, whaever you have handy. NOT WD-40, that is not a lubricant.

    There will be other responses, but this might get you going.

    Good Luck,

    Bob

    :>)







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