.....here's what happened to me. Recently had leaky high-pressure power steering hose replaced as I was tired of cleaning up the oil spot in my driveway, and the groaning from the pump was getting annoying. Surgery went well, the patient tolerated the procedure, and we were off and running. Yesterday, the steering began to get intermittently hard--as if the power steering was engaging and then dis-engaging. Made turning, especially at low speed, quite a nightmare. 16 y/o Daughter, a new driver, wasn't thrilled, and kept asking me why she had to drive this p.o.s. car (Told Her Highness she could walk, if she really wanted to. Declined.). Did some research, and saw the multitude of sites complaining about having to replace the steering rack in these 240s. Gave car a quick once-over and saw that the belts were somewhat loose, and figured that, in order of annoyance, (1) I'd be really happy if the problem turned out to be loose belts; (2) I'd be less than happy, but still tolerable to be around if it was a dying PS pump (I'd get one from my local Volvo junk yard); or (3) I'd be not happy at all if the problem indeed turned out to be the rack. Today, my mechanic, whom I trust implicitly, told me that it was none of these options. Seems that the steering u-joint/knuckle on the end of the column was corroded, worn out, and binding. This caused that heavy-feeling steering and intermittent difficulty in turning the wheel. Says it's no big deal to R and R (1/2 hour flat rate), though he had a bit of an issue finding one. I'm going back tomorrow for the repair. Remember: It's not always the rack!!

B