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What do you mean by more difficult steering? Stiffer? Binding up occasionally? Hard to turn? Etc…
Following up on what Porkface said about the steering column lower u-joint. That u-joint can become problematic with age. I experienced issues with that u-joint on both my 90 240 and 95 850. Yes, they used a Power Steering system not a manual. However, my guess is they use the same or similar u-joint as your car.
My point is that those steering column lower u-joints can be cleaned and lubricated (to some degree) on the outside where rust and road grime can build up. Doing this can restore your steering feel to normal. Much easier and cheaper than replacing either the steering column u-joint or particularly the rack!
Pretty simple - I used WD-40 but there are better lubricants. However, the WD-40 will work for awhile if your issue is indeed the u-joint. Then you can follow-up with a better lubricant.
Access the u-joint and spray liberally for about 5 minutes while slowly rotating the steering wheel to access as many areas and angles of the u-joint. You might need to repeat this a second time. Then you are good to go for awhile! It needed to be repeated about once a year on my 850.
Don’t know if this your problem, but an easy and cheap fix if it is!!
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....
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