As in any parts assembly the Volvo drivetrain depends on efficient lubrication to operate up to specs. It is fitted with a Volvo power steering pump that is designed to supply the necessary hydraulic fluids into the individual components of the assembly. With ample lubrication the Volvo drivetrain parts run as one well-oiled whole and facilitates car handling. The Volvo power steering pump is usually mounted on the steering rack of the car. It sits cheek by jowl with the hydraulic fluid reservoir, which keeps the lubricants in optimal temperature before they are circulated in the system. From the reservoir, these hydraulic fluids are sucked into the Volvo power steering pump, charged, and injected via the power steering hose. The hydraulic fluids are typically impregnated by the Volvo power steering pump with a boost of up to 1,300 psi. With this pressure all of the individual components of the drivetrain get lubrication.

The Volvo power steering pump is basically a vane-style pump driven that is by a belt connected to the engine. It contains a set of retractable vanes that spin inside an oval chamber, streamlining hydraulic fluid injection. The resulting flow of charged hydraulic fluid helps reduce steering effort, easing driver fatigue. In order that the hydraulic fluid is injected into the power steering system at high pressure, the vanes of the Volvo power steering pump are spinned at high speed up to the point when the hydraulic fluid from the return line can be pulled into the pump at low pressure. The fluids are then forced into the pump outlet at high pressure. The amount of flow provided by the pump depends on the Volvo's engine speed.

The Volvo power steering pump provides adequate flow even when the engine is idling. As a result, the pump inevitably flows in much more fluid than what is necessary when the Volvo engine is running at faster speeds. As failsafe to over lubrication, the Volvo power steering pump contains a pressure relief valve that regularly outgasses the pump to make sure that the pressure does not get too high, especially at high engine speeds when so much fluid is being pumped. This feature of the Volvo power steering pump is designed to give assist to driver only when force is exerted on the steering wheel.


Tags: hydraulic fluid, drivetrain