I've had a 96 850 for 4 years and just upgraded to a mint condition 98 s70. Everything is great but the steering wheel feels alot tighter than my 850. the 850 was really easy to turn but the s70 takes alittle more force?

just wondering if its normal or there could be problems with the power steering or something?

The steering on my 854T is feather light, effortless, and almost too easy. My V70 is more like a normal car feel, which I like better. There seems to be more "road feel". I think Volvo lowered the power effect on the 70 series.

As to your noise from the column, there is an easy fix, which I will do when the weather gets warmer:

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/70steering.php

Have fun,
Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

This is an interesting thread. On my 1995 850, the steering was not particularly light at all, a little on the heavier side like my current 1999 S70. I also think both had/have about the best feel of any car I have ever driven, certainly among the very best. My 1999 V70GLT was the same. Alas, we traded in the V70 at the beginning of last year for a 2003 Honda Odessey minivan. Having a new baby can do that to you. Actually, this minivan thing is far better that a SUV, wagon or sedan for dealing with babies. Real easy in and out, mega room for all their associated stuff when traveling. I wish Volvo had a minivan.

XC90 is their version of a minivan....LOL
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

1 - what is the condition of the steering bearings at the tops of the front struts?

2 - many years ago on a 164E I had the universal joint in the steering column go dry, with the symptom being tighter steering than before. On that car the joint was open and easy to see. I don't know the arrangement of joints on the 70 series but may be worth a look.

Didn't really notice that...make sure your PS fluid resevoir is to the fill line. Check it hot...best, but don't let it be over the "C" line when cold either.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

i've also noticed it squeeks when i turn the wheel.

The 855's steering is way better and much more solid than my XC. But let's think about this. XC=AWD, automatic and heavy. 855=FWD, manual and lighter. Difference? Two different cars and difference in how they've been maintained.
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'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); The Purple Neon has been sold (sniff) All over 120k

Hmmm... I had the squeaky wheel syndrome early on in my 850 days. Turned out there's a rubber boot where the [insert proper name of steering shaft here] goes through the firewall, and this wasn't seated properly...

...but I've never noticed a significant difference between the steering tightness in the '97 850, '99 V70R, or '99 C70. (It's been the '90 780 that feels significantly different.) Overall the V70R has the best steering feel, but that really seems to be more about the better suspension and minimal body roll than anything else.

-KMB
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'99 C70 Convertible || '99 V70R AWD || '90 780 Turbo (for sale)