Power steering rack brand opinions and experiences, Feb 2022

[jmorman]

I replaced the rack on my 2000 s70 glt se at the beginning of April. Bought the smi rack from FCPEuro. I’m coming up on 2000 miles and zero issues.

Somethings that helped me:
In order to work under it somewhat comfortably, and safely, in my garage, I used wheel cribs I made from scrap 2x4’s. Mine are a few inches taller than a standard ramp.
Took the sway bar out. It just made it easier for me.
I tapped a flat screwdriver into the steering linkage to spread that collar. Left the screwdriver there to use as a handle to guide the collar on the new rack.
While I had everything apart I replaced the motor mount just above the rack and the O2 sensors.

My biggest mistake was being so tired on Day 3 that I had put the outer tie rods in the knuckle the wrong way. This made my rack 1.5” short on both sides. The rack I so carefully measured. I can laugh about it now

[Chuck W]

Got the rebuilt rack from United Power Steering over the weekend.
(Sorry for the slightly blurry pic. Was working fast and dodging rain)


Swapped out the R bar for a 21.5mm one from an '00XC at the same time, since I had the subframe down.

Cleaned out the system, installed new boots, and refilled with fresh fluid. Limited miles so far, but so far, so good.

[bmdubya1198]

Popping in here after Abscate's suggestion... I installed a TRW reman rack from FCP last year, so far so good. The previous rack I had was from O'Reilly and it was awful. Felt like crap, and it was leaking within a few months.
Unfortunately it appears that the TRW racks are on backorder currently.

[abscate]

Thanks for review on the TRW RACK.

ADDED DATE CODE TO TITLE

Info from parts geek June 2022

P80 AWD CARS…. only one option, Maval remanufactured. $465 + 160 core

P80 FWD CARS

DETROIT AXLE is the only new rack $265

Atlantic engineering, maval, bbb, cardone all rebuilt. $200-900 price range.

OReillys has a MasterPro brand remanufactured rack for $360 $160 core Limited lifetime warranty. The ports are listed as both 18x1.5 which is not right. Probably a misprint

The awd rack is $460 and 160 core

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/ma ... rack&pos=0


United power Steering installed by Chuckw. Local to Midwest perhaps?

viewtopic.php?p=603099&hilit=United+power#p603099

It looks like the TRW rack has been discontinued

[abscate]

Update august 2022

Maval rack now $460 at FCP, others?

Volvo rack now discontinued per FCP, May still be some NOS out there, and of course look for new ones In junkyards

Parts geek has the BBS for $800 , and Maval for both FWD and AWD

[FireFox31]

If the Volvo rack is discontinued, I wonder where a Volvo dealership would get a rack if they're being paid parts and labor for the job. I had a dealership replace a 240 rack when the car was over 20 years old, so available from Volvo or not, they sourced a part and did the job.

I'm going to try replacing the leaking right seal on my rack with a kit from pskits.com. I updated the first post with owner rebuild and rack remove/install tips which I've been finding.

[abscate]

I’m going to order another Detroit axle rack. I’ve to 4 1999s in use and I don’t want to fuss looking for these if needed. I’ve already consumed one Detroit, one United, a 1998 rack I resealed, and Jane Bonds in 20 months on various jobs

[scot850]

What is the difference in an AWD rack? I thought FWD and AWD were the same?

Neil.

[abscate]

What is the difference in an AWD rack? I thought FWD and AWD were the same?

Neil.

It might just be the top mount, maybe moveable?

[scot850]

When I am bored I will look up Vida on the part numbers!

Neil.