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Power steering rack brand opinions and experiences, Feb 2022

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70
This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » P80 Volvos Steering Racks & Price
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FireFox31
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Re: Power steering rack brand opinions and experiences, Feb 2022

Post by FireFox31 »

Clemens wrote: ↑05 Oct 2022, 00:08 Are the ps racks identical on all FWD p80 models or were there different suppliers?
Here's the SMI rack hexagon at the base of the steering shaft. When looking from the front of the car to the rear, right above the hex is a tiny raised logo "SMI".

This also may be a good illustration of what a failing rack looks like, covered in fluid and grime. I'm still trying to clean it to find out. I took this picture AFTER doing an initial cleaning......
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ZionXIX
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Post by ZionXIX »

Any updates for steering rack sources in 2024? Considering a new one from rock auto.....
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FireFox31
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Post by FireFox31 »

I found a rebuild kit, maybe at Rock Auto but I probably posted it somewhere. I'm going to try and replace a failed end seal in one or two racks at some point, right side while on the car, left side while off. Do I really trust my work over a rebuilder? Yeah, kind of. Hopefully that's not my typical DIY hubris.
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Post by bmdubya1198 »

FireFox31 wrote: ↑27 Feb 2024, 12:36 I found a rebuild kit, maybe at Rock Auto but I probably posted it somewhere. I'm going to try and replace a failed end seal in one or two racks at some point, right side while on the car, left side while off. Do I really trust my work over a rebuilder? Yeah, kind of. Hopefully that's not my typical DIY hubris.
Rebuilders these days set the bar pretty low, so I'm sure you'll be able to get it done much better!
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FireFox31
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Post by FireFox31 »

I'm worried about problems other than the broken end seals. Perhaps internal metal components are pitted and should be replaced. I'll start with the seals and see how it goes.

I'd love to have a rack test bed, somehow connecting the rack to a car in order to put it under pressure to test it. However, the test bed rack wouldn't be forced to overcome friction with the road when turning, limiting the validity of the test. Maybe there's a more simple way to hold pressure. I've saved some of the high pressure line fittings in the wishful thinking that I may make some tester.
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Blue 2000 V70 NA manual, "the V70" - died, reborn, totaled, donated, stripped
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Post by Chuck W »

The end seals aren't too bad to replace. The right side ones fail more often due to the exhaust heat.
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Post by abscate »

Bumping this topic for recent thread
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