Experiencing Volvo XC90 power steering problems is not fun.
Although these issues will never cause you to be left stranded on the road, they are most definitely inconvenient and annoying to deal with.
And when in the worst circumstances, you may even come across some safety risks because of these problems.
For instance, if your engine drive belt snaps as you drive, followed by a loss of your power steering, it can be quite a frightening and worrisome experience.
Moreover, if the power steering is out, and you try to back your car at a parking space, it is very hard to turn your wheel without the help of the hydraulic feature of the power steering system.
With all these things in mind, let us have a look at the common reasons why power steering problems happen in the Volvo XC90 and what you can do about them.
Volvo XC90 Power Steering Problems
There are several causes of power steering problems with the Volvo XC90. Here are just some of them:
- Fluid loss
- Worn out pump
- Clogged system
- Air in your power steering system
Let us take a look at these issues more closely and find out why they arise.
1. Fluid Loss
The main reason behind Volvo XC90 power steering problems is fluid loss. This is commonly attributed to leaks. Because of the high pressure of your power steering system and the soft hoses that carry the fluid, leaks may be quite typical to occur.
You will know if there is a leak in the power steering system when you hear a whining noise in your power steering pump. Moreover, you may also experience a loss of your steering assistance.
When you are certain that there is a leak in your low- or high-pressure hose, you can easily stop this leak by replacing your hose. You can also use a material to seal this leak in the steering pump or gear.
2. Worn out pump
As with all mechanical systems, your power steering pump is not exempted from wear and tear. When your power steering pump is worn, it may either whine, hum, or not produce any sound at all. But no matter what the symptom may be, a low fluid pressure will never allow you to turn the steering wheel.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to determine any issue with the pump, especially in the case of a low pressure pump since this lacks any high pressure port. Thus, the only way to get it fixed up is by replacing your fuel pump.
3. Clogged Power Steering
Among all of the problems with the power steering system, it would be clogs. As with checking for low-pressure pump production, having no pressure ports in the power steering system makes it tough to discover clogs when there are any in the system.
In most cases, clogs are caused by a dirty power steering fluid or worn components. The only way to fix them is by flushing your system. Once you have repaired the power steering system, you need to refill it with a power steering fluid to make sure it works as smoothly as possible.
4. Air in the power steering system
When there is air in the power steering system, this reduces the ability of the system to generate power steering assistance. The right amount of fluid causes air to get in because of leaks in your low pressure line or the line coming from the reservoir and onto the pump in a remote reservoir system.
You can quiet the system down and remove the air by checking for loose fittings or faulty o-rings in the connections. Another thing you can do is to replace the lines to get this issue fixed up correctly.
Additional Tips To Consider
Many modern vehicles such as the Volvo XC90 come with power steering. However, as these systems age, wearing out can occur. Moreover, issues with the power steering pump and poor alignment can lead to a malfunction to the power steering system.
So, you need to make sure that there is adequate power steering fluid level. Otherwise, it will be difficult to make turns each time.
Check the fluid level and top up according to the required level. But if you find yourself topping the fluid up too frequently, it is possible that there is a leak in the system.
Sometimes, loose belts can also cause an issue with your power steering system. You can easily tell that the belt is loose when you hear a loud and screechy sound. In this case, you will have to adjust and tighten the belt.
But if you have performed all of these techniques, yet the problem still exists, you will have to take your vehicle to the mechanic and have the steering column inspected by a specialist. By doing so, you can have the issue diagnosed appropriately.
Read More: Volvo XC90 Growling Noise When Accelerating? Reasons and Ways To Address This Problem
Conclusion
Volvo XC90 power steering problems can be very inconvenient, especially when you need this function to turn while driving.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to address the issue appropriately. Consider applying the techniques we shared with you to diagnose and troubleshoot the issue and get it resolved to ensure a worry-free and safe driving experience.