Do you feel vibrations, hear new sounds or find it hard to turn your Volvo car steering wheel? If so, then you may be having a problem in the steering column of the vehicle. The steering column is one of the most crucial components of your Volvo vehicles. It links the steering wheel to the car’s steering system so that you can safely steer the car through every bend. However, like any other part of your car, it is not shielded from wearing out. When it starts to fail, the best thing to do is to take the necessary action to avoid aggravation of the problem.

Indications Your Volvo’s Steering Column May Need Replacing

• Difficulty Turning the Steering Wheel: If the steering wheel is rigid, hard to rotate or seems to weigh a ton when being turned, then, problems with the steering column are likely to be the cause. Wear and tear on the column’s internal parts can also be a factor; the more wear or damage, the higher the resistance and the more difficult to steer.
• Unusual Noises While Steering: The steering wheel generates noisy clunks or squeaks or produces grinding sounds when you turn it because internal steering column components such as bearings or joints have problems. These sounds usually appear because of component wear or loose connections.
• Steering Wheel Misalignment: Steering wheel that does not return to the middle position or looks as if it is off to one side when driving in a straight line is a sign of a bad steering column. This issue may also be occasioned by the damage to other components connected to the steering assembly.
• Inconsistent or Unresponsive Steering: A slow reaction when turning the steering wheel means a problem in the steering column. This might be as a result of worn gears, a faulty tilt mechanism, or electrical problems in the modern electrically powered mechanisms.
• Steering Wheel Lock Issues: When you experience problems with steering wheel locking or unlocking or discover unexpected wheel lockups while you drive then the steering column likely has a mechanical fault. This is a real safety issue that cannot wait to be addressed.

How To Replace the Steering Column In Your Volvo

• Remove the Steering Wheel: Remove the airbag through the removal of the connectors and nuts holding the airbag in place. After that, pull off the airbag, then unscrew the steering wheel from the column using a steering wheel puller. Some steering systems are connected using bolts or couplings so remove them to disconnect the steering shaft from the column.
• Unbolt the Steering Column: Find out and pull out nuts and screws holding the steering column to the dashboard or to the brackets. Some of the Volvos require the dashboard to be lowered or even removed to gain better access to the interior.
• Remove the Steering Column: Gently pull the steering column out and that little slide mechanism to eject the steering column without harming the surrounding wiring or other components. Pay special attention to the orientation and position of the column so it will be easy to reinstall it.
• Install the New Steering Column: Place the new steering column in the right spot, bolt it and screw all the components to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Get Help From Our Volvo Experts At Rowlett Motorwerks

At Rowlett Motorwerks, we know exactly how important it is that your Volvo has a correctly functioning steering column. We have our base in Rowlett, TX and it is our pleasure to offer credible and professional services to drivers in the area. Our team of experienced technicians has specialized in Volvo repair and we deal with faulty steering columns by diagnosing and replacing them. If your car steering feels tight, the steering wheel is wobbly, or the steering makes some strange noises, we have the equipment and knowledge to diagnose and repair the problem.

When you come to us, the first step we take is a thorough inspection which helps us to identify the root of the issue. If your steering column has become damaged in some way, we will take out the faulty part and replace it with a better one so that your vehicle will run smoothly again. Apart from Rowlett, we are delighted to offer Volvo services to drivers from nearby regions such as Garland, Wylie, Rockwall, and Sachse. You are welcome to contact us for an appointment or visit our Rowlett facility.