I stopped the engine to gaz up and when I started it again, I found that the steering wheel was more "stiffer" to turn either left or right. After a short drive I've noticed that I have to turn the steering wheel very slowly to feel no "resistance", it's like the p/s pump doesn't supply enough immediate pressure, regardless of the rpm. I never encounter that problem before and it happened suddenly after a gazup. I checked the serpentine belt and the fluid level, everything seems normal. No leaks and no apparent noise either.

The car is a '97 855 N/A

Any ideas?

Thanks
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Norm

Not sure what the problem is. How old is the PS fluid? May wana change the fluid and put in Mobil 1 ATF. The "turkey baster" technique works pretty well and is a one man job. Remove as much old fluid as you can with the baster and top off with the M1. Do it once every 5 days after driving and you'll replace most of it. You can also drain the rack but will need an assistant and put the car on stands. A lot of guys also swear by the Lucas PS additive.

bl

Hi bl,

I dont know how old it is but I'll change it for M1 ATF for sure. Do you know the procedure to drain the steering rack? Do I need special tools to disconnect fluid lines? because I have an assistant and stands!

Thanks a lot
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Norm

You can look over in the 700-900 FAQ section. I've not done it on the 850 but did on the 740 and I'm guessing it is about the same. If I remember correctly on the 740, I partly removed one of the two lines (it was a banjo fitting if I remember) until fluid was draining and had my assistant turn the wheel lock to lock and add fluid up to the full mark. Repeat until the fluid running out is new. You need to keep the system full during the flush so no air enters.

bl

There's not much space to disconnect the fluid lines because of the sway bar link in the way. I'll go with the turkey baster method instead !!

Thanks bl
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Norm

Yeah, the ole turkey baster method will get it done. I haven't looked under our 850 at the rack but it stands to reason there is something in the way. Always is on these dang sidewinder engines. A lot of guys also install a Magnafine filter in the PS line. It removes virtually everything in the PS fluid. IPD sells them plus others (usually cheaper). It goes in the low pressure return line to the pump. Just make sure the flow arrow on the filter points the right direction

bl

I used a plastic zip tie with a magnet attached...pinched the ziptie onto the spring cap of the steering pump and dropped it into the reservoir (this way the magnet won't wander off). When I change my oil, I get the microscopic, black metal, sooty bits off of the magnet. This seems to be a decent "poor man's" filter for these cars.
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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.

Good idea !

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Norm

Hi bl,

I've flushed all old ps fluid and the steering is smooth again, yeah!
I'll install a Magnafine filter for sure.

Which one is the low pressure return line ?
I'd guess that is the one in the back

Thanks
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Norm