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I've just done a run up to the Carlisle area tonight/last night and on the way there i noticed the steering getting progressively stiffer and harder to turn, ruts on the motorway being most noticeable to steer in. I pulled in at Southwaite but couldn't spot any major problems.

Now for the opinion bit, What would you have done it was another 10 or 15 miles to the tip then about 120 back?

Truck is a 98 Volvo FM7 if that's any help.

Answer on the fault later when i get out my pit.

I'd have stopped, looked around for anything obvious like a puncture or missing wheel and if nothing was found then I'd have continued providing that there had been no obvious juddering coming through the steering wheel.
Sounds to me like the power steering fluid was low to none existent.......should have done your vehicle checks properly so ner ner ner.


Edit: Oops....just noticed that you said professional drivers up there......that's me out then.

I would have stopped and looked for a deflated/deflating tyre, deflated/deflating suspension strut or airbag(s), obvious things like fluid leaks, linkages, etc, the other thing I would have done is a static test by turning the wheel hard left then hard right then back to centre to see if it felt 'normal' because if there was no obvious problem there then I would have considered it to be road conditions, ie ruts, etc but kept an eye on it, not much else you can do if there is no obvious problem.

If I came up with nothing for my own checks I would probably ring the company workshop (assuming they have one) to see if they could advise and talk me through what to do.

I did...

Heater works - check
Fag lighter works - Check

Job done



H&S made, yes made us get rid of him a few months back so at the moment we are between fitters

Oh no no no !! Radio first!

Nah the radios pants in my motor so i use a walkman phone

Forgot to add though...

Cab phone OFF - Check

Yes. The steering linkage between the steering column and the steering box has seized. The UJs on it are noted for failing on volvos. It's a roadside repair and takes about 30 minutes. Part costs £400. How do I know this? Had one pack up on me in Shareshill 6 months ago.

You don't keep on driving because it eventually seizes solid. Mine started packing up on the roundabouts on the A5 at Cannock and by the time I pulled into the layby at Shareshill, it was nearly solid.

Had one start to tighten up on me a few years back on the way back from Almeria. Wrap a diesel soaked rag round it, have a kip, dribble more derv on it and set off. It will free up.

King pins are the same, a derv soaked rag does wonders on them also.

By the time I got back the steering was OK and didn't need a new UJ for another couple of years.

Interesting, never had this happen so one to file away for future reference, thanks.

Yup thats what happened but i drove it all the way to the drop and then back to our yard, once back i just drenched the uj in engine oil and all is fine. No need for a new one as i think its just a case of splash some lube on it every now and again.

Happened to me a few years ago in an FL6 and the fitter at the time taught me to just whack a bit of oil in when it happens, Funnily enough when it went on the fl it wouldnt turn right

forgot to add it was the uj behind the grill that threw a wobbler