240 Power Steering Gear Centering

If your Volvo 240's power steering pulls or the steering wheel feels lighter in one direction, it's often due to hydraulic imbalance in the steering gear. This guide covers CAM-type steering gears (not ZF or other aftermarket units). What can I do when 240 power steering pulls? The steering gear balance can be adjusted via an adjustment collar located below the rack. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. How is CAM steering gear adjustment performed? Adjustment is carried out following these steps: Preparation: Lift the front of the car and remove the engine undertray. Opening the cover: Locate the cover below the rack (at the lower front) held by two 13 mm bolts. Remove the cover and note the position of the large star lock washer underneath. Releasing the lock: Beneath the cover is a nut (approximately 16 mm) locked in place by the star washer. Bend the washer arm open and remove the nut and lock washer. Balancing: * Start the engine (wheels may turn on their own). Turn the exposed adjustment collar counterclockwise. Method A: Test the steering resistance from the wheel in both directions. Adjustment is complete when resistance is equal in both directions. Method B: By rotating the collar, find the points where the wheels begin to turn themselves to the right and left. Leave the collar at the midpoint between these positions. Locking: Stop the engine. Reposition the star lock washer (you may need to straighten the old arm and bend the new one, as the collar is now in a new position). Reassembly: Tighten the nut, lock it with the washer, and reinstall the cover and engine undertray. What is important to note during adjustment? Identify the type: This guide is specifically for CAM-branded steering gears. Cover position: The cover and star lock washer removed in step 2 lock the adjustment, so it's critical that they return to their original position relative to each other.