If your Volvo steering has a "dead zone" (the wheel can be turned half a centimeter in each direction before the wheels respond) and the suspension joints have been verified as intact, the cause is often found inside the steering column.

The fault is usually not in the steering gear (rack and pinion), but in the spot welds of the steering shaft telescoping bushing. The shaft is designed to collapse during a collision to prevent the steering wheel from hitting the driver. The bushing spot welds can fail after a hard impact (for example, hitting a curb or a minor collision) or due to a manufacturing defect. When the welds fail, the shaft tubes can move relative to each other, which is felt as clear play in the steering wheel.

Wandering: The car feels like it is searching on the road and requires constant correction. Play at rest: With the engine off, there is clear slack and possibly a small clicking when the steering wheel is moved side to side. Inspection: Steering play is grounds for failure in inspection.

Go to the driver's footwell and remove the knee pad/protective plastic. Grab the tube above the steering column grid. Ask a friend to move the steering wheel side to side. If the upper part of the shaft moves but the grid joint or lower tube does not respond immediately, the play is in the internal bushing of the shaft.

1. Steering shaft replacement (Recommended method) For safety reasons, a faulty steering shaft must be replaced with an intact one. Cost: A used steering shaft from a wrecking yard costs approximately 100–150 €. Work time: Replacement takes approximately 1–1.5 hours for an experienced hobbyist. Note: When replacing the shaft, ensure the steering wheel does not rotate freely (lock it!) so the clock spring (SRS cable) does not break. 2. Welding (NOT recommended) Some hobbyists have tried to "revive" the shaft by welding the bushing closed. Warning: This removes the shaft's safety feature (collapse in a collision). This is a dangerous modification that should not be done. Additionally, welding heat can damage the shaft's bearings.

If the steering shaft is tight, check these traditional areas: Lower ball and track rod ends: The most common cause of play. Steering column lower universal joint: Located between the footwell and engine bay. If it is dry, steering can be "notchy" or loose. Lubrication or replacement helps. Rack and pinion mounting bushings: If the rack can move in the subframe, steering feel is lost.