I just bought a 960 with 173K and am doing a lot of needed maintenance because it was neglected by the previous owner. I just finished 3 weeks of hard work and rebuilt the front suspension, sway bar bushings, brakes, tie rods, did timing belt, tensioner, water pump, changed trans oil 4 times, and engine oil with synthetic, tires, all shocks brand new, spark plugs and fuel filter.

The crook I bought it from told me it already had all this work done last month (except for tires), but after I bought it I found nothing he said that was replaced was ever done! He lied to me about everything then disappeared. Now I have spent nearly as much on parts as I paid for the car.

The car is great, but the steering is sticking randomly. After making a turn the wheel will not go back to the center position unless you quickly turn it by hand. Its hard to turn, The assist is very poor and sometimes randomly it will almost have no power assist at all in the middle of a turn. Then its OK. It seems like its binding. The fluid was not dirty when I got the car. I know its not normal because I have three other RWD volvos with over 300k miles and they do not have this problem. Is it the rack or pump?? Any ideas?

You will probaly find that it is the small universal joint at the end of the steering column where it joins the the rack just at the firewall inside the engine bay. The grease dries out especially on our right hand drive models where the hot exhaust is, and the joint becomes stiff. Spray it with WD40 or plus gas if that does not work heat it up and lightly tap it to loosen the hardened grease. If all fails replace it.