Just got my "new" 1976 245DL running and discovered something happening with the steering that's unlike anything I've seen before. The PO told me it needed an alignment to correct a pull to the left that the car had. Sure enough, it pulls strongly to the left. However, the funny thing is that it does it even when the car is stopped! When the car is parked on gravel with the wheels straight ahead, if I start it up, the steering wheel just winds itself all the way over and posts itself on left lock. It's pretty annoying, you can't let go of the wheel ever, even when the car is stopped!

Also, the steering is extremely light, much lighter than on any other Volvo I've driven. It's like driving a Lincoln or something, you can really drive with your pinky finger. And the P/S pump sounds like it's working overtime, straining constantly. I'm guessing there must be something wrong with the power steering system, but what? Is there a valve in the rack that could have gotten stuck, or a seal that is blown? It doesn't leak any fluid, and the fluid is very dirty but full. I don't know where to start, except to maybe take the belt off the P/S pump for now until this is sorted out. Anyone seen this before?

Thanks,
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George, Seattle WA