Strange noise near the steering wheel in steering column S70 98

Discussion in 'Volvo S70' started by Henry n, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    I have a 1998 S70 with 105K miles on it. For some reason about 2 month
    back my car had developed a strange noise that comes behind the
    steering wheel in the steering column. It is a scweeking noise when I
    trun the steering. I checked and I have my steering fluid level at
    right level. Interestingly enough when I added a bit more steering
    fluid the noise deappeared for a little while. Also when the noise re-
    appeared again, I just sprayed WD40 (lubricant) between the steering
    wheel and steering column and it worked for a while too. Any idea what
    might be the cause of this noise and how to diagnose it?
     
    Henry n, Jan 5, 2009
    #1
  2. Henry n

    James Sweet Guest


    I had this in my 740 and found the hose to the boost gauge was rubbing
    on the shaft under the dash. Could also be the bearing there, WD-40 is
    worthless as a lubricant, pick up a spray can of lithium grease, teflon,
    etc, something that leaves a film of lubricant.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 5, 2009
    #2
  3. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    Thank you James,
    I'll try lithium grease and see weather the noise disappears for a
    longer while.

    There is a semitrasparent plastic enclosure that encloses part that
    connects steerig wheel with steering rod(? possibly having a bearing
    in there). The plastic has a little crack in it, so I'm wondering what
    is that part called and what is it for? Maybe the luricant evaporated
    out of it, or I'm totally of the mark?
    Thank you.
     
    Henry n, Jan 6, 2009
    #3
  4. Henry n

    Jeff Savage Guest


    There is a common squeak to these S70 V70 as the steering goes through the
    fire wall ---- go to the website http://volvospeed.com/bay13.htm
    then click enter and then S/V/C 70 Steering Bearing - How to lubricate
    squeeking steering.

    This is an easy 10 minute job at best and needs doing every couple of years.

    This should sort it out for you. And if you have an 850 / S70 / V70 this
    page should be bookmarked permanently.

    Good luck
    Jeff
     
    Jeff Savage, Jan 6, 2009
    #4
  5. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    Thank you Jeff, will try to do this on the weekend. I really like that
    there are photos that show how to do the job starting with the
    bearing. It would be really great to add a picture or two on how to
    get to the exact place starting with the kick panel being in its
    place. Since I've never took of the kick pannel and not exactly sure
    how to do that, I'm planning to spend extra time figuring it out. Any
    pointers would help. Will post the restults once I tried it.
     
    Henry n, Jan 6, 2009
    #5
  6. Henry n

    Jeff Savage Guest

    I don't remember removing any kick panel, just the twisted back and front
    seat laid right back position, or put your legs under the car and just lean
    forward into the foot well - it will all make sense once you start.
    Good luck
    Jeff
     
    Jeff Savage, Jan 6, 2009
    #6
  7. Henry n

    Tim.. Guest

    It's the slip rings for the horn. They all do it when cold. Goes away when
    the interior warms up abit. Don't worry about it!

    Tim..
     
    Tim.., Jan 7, 2009
    #7
  8. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    It actually sounds like it is coming right below the steering wheel,
    not as far as the bearing. It does go away in a bit, yet it's fairly
    annoying. Will try the bearing fix this weekend just in case -
    hopefully it's not hard.

    Yet you are right and it is a slip ring, is it hard to fix? Are they
    expensive? Any pointers to places that cell them on-line (are they
    officially called slip rings).
     
    Henry n, Jan 7, 2009
    #8
  9. Henry n

    Tim.. Guest

    Not sure what the official Volvo term would be, but we call them slip rings.

    I would not attempt to replace it yourself, unless you are perfectly
    experienced with safely dis-arming, removing, storing, and then refitting
    the airbag, as the steering wheel has to come off to reach the slip-ring
    unit, which is mounted on the steering column, directly below the steering
    wheel. I would say that a light coating with graphite or perhaps copper
    grease is all it would need to silence it, rather than replacement.

    Tim..
     
    Tim.., Jan 8, 2009
    #9
  10. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    Thank you for the responses. I've gone through the instructions on
    http://volvospeed.com/bay13.htm and re-lubricated the bearing ring.
    It was an easy thing to do, I think it will take longer to clean-up
    the grease that got on the carpeting near the steering column. The
    noise disappeared, but then I haven't driven the car too much this
    weekend. Will try it this week and see if the problem is fixed.
     
    Henry n, Jan 12, 2009
    #10
  11. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    It's been a few weeks and the noise haven't returned. I've driven the
    car for a few weeks now and put at least 200 miles - so I guess re-
    lubricating the bearing ring got rid of the noise.

    James, Tim, Jeff, thank you all for the support!
     
    Henry n, Jan 23, 2009
    #11
  12. Henry n

    Jeff Savage Guest

    No worries, Bay 13 has saved me a few times.
    Jeff
     
    Jeff Savage, Jan 23, 2009
    #12
  13. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    After a few weeks the noise re-appeared. I suspect I used the wrong
    grease. Could anyone recommend right grease for the bearing? What is
    it called in the stores (Kragen, AutoZone) and approximately how much
    it runs?
    Thank you,

    Henry
     
    Henry n, Feb 6, 2009
    #13
  14. Are you sure it is not the turn signal wheel that rubs against the
    steering wheel shaft? That would be a lot easier to get at and even
    replace if necessary.
     
    Stephen Henning, Feb 8, 2009
    #14
  15. Henry n

    Henry n Guest

    Thank you for responses. I've used different grease and the noise is
    gone now for a couple of month! So I think it was the right diagnosis
    for my car
     
    Henry n, Apr 7, 2009
    #15
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