Steering shaft link - telescope or not?

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 05 Nov 2024, 07:57

'02 V70xc I've removed the steering rack to replace a leaking line. I removed the pictured link which looks like it should telescope but it does not (at least by hand). Should it? Or is it designed to collapse in case of a crash?
Jim

Post by **br0dy519** » 05 Nov 2024, 10:10

It does not telescope.

BONINGERVAG · Post by **BONINGERVAG** » 19 Nov 2025, 09:30

Where does the distance slide when steering is in lower telescope position? Lowered subframe now wheel wont telescope down. Steering asembly slides, tilts fine when upper shaft link disconnected.

Post by **jonesg** » 19 Nov 2025, 13:10

the lower part is fixed, the upper telescopes, you have to pull on it and hold it, it will extend down slowly.

Post by **vtl** » 23 Nov 2025, 07:41

I would replace that intermediate shaft, just to have a fresh u-joint. $70 or so is not worth it to deal with it when it starts sticking.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 25 Nov 2025, 20:19

It is around $110. Please only buy Original volvo shaft. Not pro parts Sweden(PPS) My shaft from PPS lasted 3k and developed "clunking" at lower connection. Better also buy new oem bolt ($8 i think i paid)for lower connection(they are one time use, lot of people will disagree here). I dont remember exact torque spectrum for lower and top bolts, but hopefully nice experts will help with that data..
Inspect the rubber boot around the shaft. If the needle bearings inside of it are worn, rusty- better buy new oem one($55 or so) and be happy.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Nov 2025, 08:38

I agree with Vova585 here. Steering is one of the most important parts of your car to save your life and be solid. Not cheap, but what is your life worth to you? Personally, I will use aftermarket parts in non-safety critical areas if available or the OEM supplier part over the Blue Box part.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Nov 2025, 09:44

Both the upper and lower bolts are replaced on reassembly per Volvo.

Upper bolt 30 Nm
Lower bolt. 25 Nm

Post by **BlackBart** » 26 Nov 2025, 14:58

I used tools to pry open the lower part of this shaft’s clamp, assuming it was a pinch bolt. I saw then that there is a recess in the shaft where the bolt passes through. It needs to be “good and tight,” but it’s not clamping the shaft.

Now I have a tiny bit of on-center play in the steering, probably caused by opening up that joint. It’s very annoying, and you feel it as steering slop or as wandering as you go straight down the road. I may take this joint apart and see if some side shims will tighten it up, or just replace the shaft.