2009 XC60 Heavy Steering

KciPb

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and just bought a 2009 3.0L Auto XC60 a couple of days ago. One thing i noticed is that the steering is quite heavy on this car. Much heavier than our old Subaru Forester. Just wondering if this is normal for this model and can it be adjust to reduce the force?

Thanks in advance.

Ex850R

Welcome!
Tyres pumped up, probably need 4 to 6 psi over whatever they reckon.

Philia_Bear

It is a variable pressure system
Depending on the model there might be a setting accessible via the nav/entertainment unit to select comfort mode instead of sport mode

That said, the steering on some Subaru's has tended to be quite light and Volvo's do generally run a bit heavier

KciPb

I did some reading and was wondering if this has anything to do with the Power Steering recall in 2010? I really would like to reduce the stiffness of steering as its a bit hard to move in and out of garage/parking.

Vee_Que

Silly question, why did you buy it without finding this out on a test drive first? did you drive more than one?

KciPb

I bought it from a family member. It is a nice car, just wondering if we can make it nicer? :-)

Philia_Bear

KciPb;97516 wroteI did some reading and was wondering if this has anything to do with the Power Steering recall in 2010? I really would like to reduce the stiffness of steering as its a bit hard to move in and out of garage/parking.

The recalls were over the belt tensioner
unless you have zero assist... its something else

timbo

There is a filter in the power steering resevoir where the return line enters. I have have had some success cleaning them out. I have also done a couple of steering racks too. Is the power steering noisy at all or just heavy ?

KciPb

@Tim: Steering is just heavy in general. Can you please describe where exactly i can find the filter and how to clean them out? I guess with steering racks, you need to replace it. Is that what you mean?

Thanks again.

timbo

Cleaning the filter is worth a shot, but a dirty filter is usually accompanied by noisy power steering pump.
You need to remove the power steering resevoir, flush it out and you will see a filter inside the resevoir where the smaller pipe connects (return line). I would use a can of carb/throttle body cleaner or some solvent