My power steering is very hard to turn right, not so bad turning left in the morning or when the weather is cool. It gets better as the system warms up while driving and is eventually OK. The fluid is black and when changed it turns black again very quickly. I believe the rack is at fault but has anyone out there salvaged the situation with filters or fluid types? Or has anyone done a rack change/repair at home?

I would first try lubing the steering shaft u-joints with liquid wrench or something(not WD-40).One is just above the rack the other is behind the brake booster.I have freed up stiff steering on a few of my 240's with this method.740s have the same set up.
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philvo '86 245 215k,'90 240 196k,'87 SAAB 900 SPG 213k

When you "change" the fluid are you doing a full rack flush or just replacing what's in the reservoir?

The oil has been changed by mechanics when servicing the car who say that the rack is on the way out, maybe they didnt flush the rack I'm not sure, but I'm hoping they're more diligent than that. Will that fix my problem in your opinion? How do you flush the rack at home?What problems have you solved?

Good steeringinfo in the 700/900 FAQ Feature at
http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Steering.htm

I favor Steve Ringlee's flushing method, but review it all.

Lots of good stuff there. Pack a lunch.

Happy New Year,

Bruce
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Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current)
'80 GLE V8 (Sold 5/03)
'83 Turbo 245
'76 244 (lasted only 255,000 miles)
73 142 (98K)
'71 144 (track modified--crusher bound)
New 144 from '67 to '78
Used '62 122 from '63 to '67

Thanks for the replies, I will flush the system thoroughly and try keeping a magnet in the reservoir for a while, as suggested in the FAQ. Although, if the system needs a magnet to rid it of metal it is producing I will be worried. I will check the U joints but think my problem lies mostly with the hydraulics.

Still would like to know if anyone has tried different fluids, friction modifiers, filters or additives to prolong the life of the rack, and obviously the pump as well.