Last week I replaced the high pressure hose for the power steering pump. Since replacing it, the pump has had a constant moaning sound that gets worse when I turn the wheel. The good news is that I no longer have a seeping hose, the bad news is the new groan. After changing the hose, I replaced the remainder of the fluid by cranking the engine with the return resevior hose in a gallon milk jug to refresh all of the fluid. I used Dextron ATF. Any ideas on whats happening? Is my p/s pump going bad?
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'86 240(original owner), 225K, Boulder, CO.

I sounds like you probably have air in the system. On most power steering systems there is a specific procedure to refilling an empty system so as to keep air out. I put a 605 power steering box in my 57 Chevy and I seem to remember the directions that came with it advised filling the reservoir and letting it set for a while, turning the wheel from lock-to-lock very slowly (with the front wheels off the ground) several times. Top off the fluid then start engine and slowly go from lock to lock keeping an eye on the fluid level.

It seems I remember reading that just dumping in fluid, starting the car, and putting a load on the steering system could cause the fluid to "froth" and after that happened it would take a long time before all of the air worked it's way out.

I'm not sure if this procedure would hold with a rack and pinion box but I would suspect that eventually your "moaning" will work itself out!

Good luck,

Justin
83 240 Turbo

Sounds like you speak the truth as applies to the pump and rack used on the 240 as well as the recirculating ball gears. The '89 has a leak that when neglected, causes it to groan and moan for a day or so after refilling the res.

Side question, while we're on Volvo power steering: The reason the '89 leaks is its replacement hose remains carefully stored away inside the house where it does absolutely no good. Question is, the one that leaks and about 2 out of 3 I found in the junk yard have been spliced up near the pump connection. Who splices these things?? (high pressure hoses)
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Hmmm, dunno. I'll have to take a look at mine and see if it is spliced! I used to burn holes in 67 Cougar PS hose after installing headers but exhaust is on wrong (right!?) side of engine in Volvo for that to happen... Is there anything in that area the hose could chafe on and spring a leak?

My hoses seem to be intact, my leaks are from the ends of the rack. I have a "bag-o-seals", the Volvo Steering Gear Manual, and waiting delivery on some steering rack tools I scarfed off e-Bay then I'm going to attempt to "re-seal" my ZF.

Justin

Can't answer the power steering pressure hose chafing source. I wonder if it isn't the very sharp bend it takes and the flex they are forced to endure with aging motor mounts. On the other hand, the same splice is frequently found in the A/C hose if the clamp attached to the tstat housing is not maintained. Chafing on the valve cover, perhaps at the ignition wire support.

That's a totally interesting project with the ZF rack. If you do get into it I'm sure there would be a lot of folks interested in the play by play. Everytime I pull a boot I'm dreading the discovery you've made and the risk involved with finding a good one in the yard or trusting a reman.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore