Strange noise

[dsack]

Hi, we are new owners, been a guest doing research for some months, BTW, great forum, really helped clinch the purchase of 2003 XC70 in June after extensive research and test drives of all "competitors". . . .

Love the car, but have recently noticed a disturbing whirring noise when making turns above, say 15 mph, particularly to the left, but now to the right as well. Thinking maybe the AWD is finally kicking in with the rain on the road, but it's pretty loud. Thinking of taking it in to the dealer. Anyone else experience this ? Thanks.

[Hiro's XC]

Common issue. Add fluid to the power steering. Volvo's need to be about 1/4 inch over the full line to stop making the noise. Many of us have had the same problem.

[BillAileo]

I've got the same issue to address.  The owner's manual says to top off with ATF.  Unfortunately it doesn't say which type.  Do you think it makes any difference in the power steering unit?

[Hiro's XC]

Not really, But I would just run the Volvo stuff if they are near to you. Otherwise any good quality ATF Mrcon/DexronIV will work.

[mrb]

I have a noise I thought was brakes now think maybe air conditioner--at 10-20mph on turns also on straight drive at same speed--doesn't last long just at the speed it begins and lasts til speed changed by 2-3mph-

[dsack]

Thanks to Hiro'sXC and everyone else, power steering fluid was it - quite low, evidence of a leak at the lower hose - I'll have the dealer replace the clamp at first checkin - perhaps with one that can be tightened adequately.

Last vehicle I had with power steering was a 1973 Pontiac Catalina so the noise really was pretty mysterious to me.

Again, thanks to all, this forum is very useful.

[Hiro's XC]

Last car with power steering was a 73' catalina? What have you been driving?

Jason

[dsack]

Oddly enough, our transportation mix has been without power anything for the last 13 years or so:

1990 Geo Tracker 2 Dr Hardtop - fine around town and for short trips, a real punishment on long drives - cheapest 4WD available at the time.
1990 Ford Escort Pony - For Sale! - a cheap and good little car - but very spartan.
1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup - beautiful in it's simplicity, useful for dump runs and garden mulch.

None of which have power steering - not so bad in a smaller town - we have a mix of parallel and diagonal parking.

So the XC70 is quite an upgrade - finally the student loans were paid off  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Raynald]

dsack,

Calculating the time span and steps you've taken so far, you'll be driving a Lamborghini "power everything" in 2026 http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif !!!

[Hiro's XC]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Raynald @ Oct. 21 2003,22:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">dsack,

Calculating the time span and steps you&#39;ve taken so far, you&#39;ll be driving a Lamborghini &quot;power everything&quot; in 2026 http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif &#33;&#33;&#33;[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
LOL&#33;

[littlewaywelt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Hiro&#39;s XC @ Oct. 17 2003,15:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Common issue. Add fluid to the power steering. Volvo&#39;s need to be about 1/4 inch over the full line to stop making the noise. Many of us have had the same problem.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Jason,
I don&#39;t have that sound and my fluid level sits between the max &amp; min. Should I add to 1/4 inch above to prevent problems or simply leave it as is?

[Hiro's XC]

I&#39;d leave it if you aren&#39;t experiencing the noise. I think the system is just set up slightly different from car to car necessitating the higher fluid levels in some. Hard to say.