07’ 272 power steering stopped then started working

[Boatrover]

I have something strange going on with my power steering. After about a 10 mile run up the river and back I was idling through a no wake zone today. I hit the throttle to jump back up on plane and the power steering stopped working. I immediately dropped it down and started back to the dock. After about 15 minuets of idling towards the dock l heard something, (do not know how to explain it, just something sounded different) and the power steering started working again. After I got home I checked the fluid and it was still on the dipstick but was low. I also noticed there was pressure in the reservoir when I removed the cap.

[Big Block Power]

Well hard to say. But if it was a little pop sound taking the cover of the pump no big deal. But I think it could be 2 things. I've seen the pump shaft snap in 1/2 depending how it breaks you could lose pwr str. Normally it's a clean break in 2. So you wouldn't get it back. #2 would be something going on with the rack. Not too much in between.

[cmattj]

Well hard to say. But if it was a little pop sound taking the cover of the pump no big deal. But I think it could be 2 things. I've seen the pump shaft snap in 1/2 depending how it breaks you could lose pwr str. Normally it's a clean break in 2. So you wouldn't get it back. #2 would be something going on with the rack. Not too much in between.

Is there’s a separate diverter valve on the rack or ram like merc? Could it have failed both ways? Extend and contract?

Unless as you said the pump didn’t sense need for assistance through the diverter.

Sure be nice if would stay broken. You may have to throw parts at it if nothing stands out like B.B. stated. Not too much there .

Edit.. it’s all one unit. Sheesh the internet is amazing. Lol

[Boatrover]

The pressure in the reservoir seemed strange to me, I have never noticed this when checking power steering fluid before. Once it started working again it was flawless as I worked around boats and the dock to get it on the trailer.

Any idea where I can buy Volvo Penta power steering/ Trim fluid? No Volvo Penta dealers close by me and I cannot find any online. Fluid is brown so not sure if I can use automatic transmission fluid to top it off.

[Big Block Power]

I just use normal power steering fluid. If it's brown it could have had trans fluid in it or is contaminated. Rusty.

[Boatrover]

I found this on another site. Has Anyone had issues with the diverter valves sticking? I have not looked to see if mine are mounted on the end of the ram or if they are internal.

On 10/13/2017 at 8:19 AM, Wingnut said:
The belt driven pump is a positive displacement rotary vane design, and if the engine is running, the oil is in circulation to and from the steering ram, but is doing so at minimal pressure as there is no resistance to it's flow. When steering input is applied at the wheel, a diverter valve in the end of the ram moves a spool and diverts the flow to one end of the ram's internal piston or the other, while the exhausted oil from the other end of the ram is displaced back to the pump suction. This slip stream varies in volume depending upon how fast the steering wheel is being turned. When wheel movement stops, the spool returns to it's home position, and all of the pump's delivery is in simple low pressure circulation and is returned to the pump suction line. This all works sweet, until an operator turns the wheel all the way to either port or starboard. The diverter is telling the pump that it needs full flow to the ram, but the ram is at the end of it's limit of travel and pressure builds to excessive levels. At this point, an internal pressure relief valve opens and dumps the excess pressure back to the low pressure side preventing system damage. Some of these pressure relief valves are pump mounted but most are an integral part of the ram. In your case, either the diverter valve is sticking, or your safety valve hangs open on occasion. It would seem that the pump is working fine as you stated that the assist works on occasion. The bad news is that on the newer Volvo's the ram is serviced as an assembly, but you can tell if that is the case on yours by seeing if it is a sealed unit, or if the diverter valve is bolted on to the end of the ram assembly. Good luck. W

[Big Block Power]

I've read lots of reports from wingnut. He is a very smart guy with very good advice. I'm sure it's part of the Ram. Kind of like I said there isn't too much to the system. You could do a BG power steering flush and use their fluid. It's a synthetic power steering fluid that is very good. It may fix your issue and it's much cheaper to try.

https://youtu.be/iSViZHOQfjI

[Ytmsn]

Bingo, you nailed it BB. An 11 year old system that has probably never been flushed (hence, brown fluid).

A BG flush and new fluid is exactly what I would do. Its likely your diverter valve stuck from crud or air and it needs a cleaning. Let us know how it turns out, whatever you do!

[Boatrover]

Just ordered the BG power steering flush kit off eBay. I will keep you posted on how the flush goes without the fancy machine to change out the fluid.