NeverEasy Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 When the '01 Volvo got put to bed last fall everything was good. In the spring, I moved it to the garage to prep it for its summer job and all was well. When I hooked it to the 5er for a trip to Yellowstone the power steering worked ok for about 2 hours and then it got real hard to steer sometimes. Like when changing lanes or going around a sharp corner it would start out steering hard and then seemed to steer easy after I got it headed the way I wanted. The fluid level is right on the mark. At times, even when it has ran a while, it is fine. When going slow like in a parking lot or campground it is fine. After the 1800 mile trip I got back home and put on a new pump. Same thing. It seems to work well for about 30 minutes and then gets difficult to steer. It can be steered but a lot more pressure is required. I thought the next step would be to replace the steering box but I might change out the supply hose first. I know that sometimes the insides come loose and block the flow of fluid. Anyone had any experience with this sort of failure. I don't want to change out the gear box if I don't need to. My current line of thinking is that the supply hose has come apart inside. When cold it holds in place. When the engine RPM is low there is not enough pressure/flow to move the bad hose flap to block the flow. Chet & Deb '01 Volvo 660 w/ Smart '19 Forest River Columbus 320RS 5th wheel 2022 Chev 2500HD Long Bed Retired CWO4, USN and federal service Electronics Tech/Network Engineer/Welder/Machinist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Dreamer Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 The hose could be collapsing. When it happens, can you stop and have someone watch the hose while another person try's to turn the wheel? Another possibility, check all the joints in the steering shaft and make sure none are binding up. 2005 Freightliner Century S/T, Singled, Air ride ET Jr. hitch 2019 46'+ Dune Sport Man Cave custom 5th wheel toy hauler Owner of the 1978 Custom Van "Star Dreamer" which might be seen at a local car show near you! Check out http://www.hhrvresource.com/ for much more info on HDT's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldFlySwatter Posted August 14, 2015 Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Hi NeverEasy, have you checked the filter inside your power steering fluid reservoir? I assume yours is like my 99 model and has one. Screw the big cap off and look down in the reservoir a couple of inches and you can see the top of a paper cartridge filter. My thinking is it could be really dirty or collapsed and causing your intermittent steering problems. Just a thought.... hope it helps. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted August 14, 2015 Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Have you checked your drag link? Info on recall Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Start at the beginning. Is the belt slipping? Is the fluid level correct? "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverEasy Posted August 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Fluid level is correct and has been changed twice. No belt, direct drive via gears on the front of the S60 series Detroit diesel. Still need to check out the drag link and the filter in the reservoir as it was late when I opened the responses tonight. Will do so in the A.M. All good ideas and all are being considered. Thanks and keep them coming. Anyone ever put a high pressure gauge on the output of one of these steering pumps? Chet Chet & Deb '01 Volvo 660 w/ Smart '19 Forest River Columbus 320RS 5th wheel 2022 Chev 2500HD Long Bed Retired CWO4, USN and federal service Electronics Tech/Network Engineer/Welder/Machinist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VegasFlyer Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Since it happened after sitting for some time, I would suspect a sticking pressure relief valve. John Southern Nevada 2008 Volvo 780, D13, I-Shift 2017 Keystone Fuzion 420 Toyhauler 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3-RS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunJuniper Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 change the Hoses then Check what VegasFlyer said above... Fulltimer Class of 2007 1998 Volvo VNL64T610 Detroit Series 60 12.7 470HP/1650TQ Eaton 18spd 228"WB Tandem2006 40' ToyHauler 3 slides and a 14' Toybox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverEasy Posted August 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2015 Changed the hoses today. Checked the drag link. It has grease zerks so it is not the TRW one on recall. They greases well and seem tight on inspection IAW the recall notice test. Pulled out the filter in the reservoir and it appears to be very clean but I will change it out when I get to the Volvo dealer next. Took it for a test run. No change. Now I am at the steering box again. I don't know where the pressure relief valve is located. I found some data on the steering pump and it can be set to different output pressures. Does that mean the pressure relief is in the pump? The pump was put in new a week ago. Unfortunately, all the data I need to find a replacement (rebuilt) steering box is on the inboard side of the steering box where I can not see it without removing the box. Probably time to get real greasy Chet . Chet & Deb '01 Volvo 660 w/ Smart '19 Forest River Columbus 320RS 5th wheel 2022 Chev 2500HD Long Bed Retired CWO4, USN and federal service Electronics Tech/Network Engineer/Welder/Machinist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VegasFlyer Posted August 16, 2015 Report Share Posted August 16, 2015 It would usually be located on or near the steering box. Sorry, but I am not that familiar with Volvos yet. You can tell by tracing hoses, if there is only one pressure hose running from the pump to the box and one return line running back, it is integral. John Southern Nevada 2008 Volvo 780, D13, I-Shift 2017 Keystone Fuzion 420 Toyhauler 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3-RS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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