$2,200 to repair leaking power steering rack....

Post by **bajaman123** » 20 Oct 2009, 17:39

So....I've been noticing a small leak on my garage floor turn into a larger one. Last time this happened I took the car in and they said they found a hose with a 'loose clamp'. So they tightened it up and for months...no leak.
Now the leak has returned with vengeance, and I got a quote of $1,546 for the part, plus labor....they figured around $2,200 total.

I am NOT going to spend this on a '99 model car with 135K on the clock....I guess I am asking if there are alternatives like a seal kit or used rack (although it looks like it would be an unHoly bitch to replace....)

DrDootz · Post by **DrDootz** » 21 Oct 2009, 07:39

Mine was leaking a quart every 40 miles. I just had it done last week on my S80 by a Indy shop. Dealer wanted $1100 for part and $700 for installation. Indy got used part for $300 and installed it for $450. It is alot of work. The car sub assembly must be dropped and the engine supported to replace it. Good Luck DrDootz

Post by **bajaman123** » 21 Oct 2009, 18:52

I wish I knew of someone around here who could do the repair for that!

God knows I have tackled some tough car problems over the years and have pulled countless engines and transmissions from dozens of cars in the 30+ years I have been around vehicles...but I just don't have the motivation these days to do something of this magnitude.

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 21 Oct 2009, 19:02

Jorgen Auto has remanufactured racks with lifetime warranties for as long as you own the car. Check them out, it looks like they have S80 racks for ~$350

So, if you could get an indy to do the work, you'd be in much better shape than $2200

Probably what I'm going to do if my steering issue turns out to be rack related

http://www.jorgenauto.com/rack-pinion/volvo.html#VOLVO

-Darrell

Magnum PI · Post by **Magnum PI** » 11 Feb 2010, 21:40

Aloha guys, I have the same problem. But bought a part from car-parts.com sight unseen, but the part I received must be for variable steering even though it was listed otherwise. I hope we can just swap the collar out because it might be just a pressure sensitive device. Or maybe the electronic harness is already there and all I have to do is connect it. Anybody know the answer to this? Thanks....I hope.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 Feb 2010, 21:48

Magnum PI wrote:Aloha guys, I have the same problem. But bought a part from car-parts.com sight unseen, but the part I received must be for variable steering even though it was listed otherwise. I hope we can just swap the collar out because it might be just a pressure sensitive device. Or maybe the electronic harness is already there and all I have to do is connect it. Anybody know the answer to this? Thanks....I hope.

Can you return it and get the correct rack?

Magnum PI · Post by **Magnum PI** » 12 Feb 2010, 23:32

I wish I could,the shipping from San Diego Calif to Hilo Hawaii was $125 so I am trying to save $250....

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 13 Feb 2010, 05:07

Magnum PI wrote:I wish I could,the shipping from San Diego Calif to Hilo Hawaii was $125 so I am trying to save $250....

Well since the parts supplier sent you the wrong part, they should eat the shipping, no?

jimbo1 · Post by **jimbo1** » 08 Mar 2010, 17:59

i went through the same thing about 3 years ago. Mine had the speed sensitive head on it and the only one i could find didn't. i checked all the part numbers on the main body and they were identical. i just unbolted the the control head and swapped them over with no issues. Usually they start leaking at the end seals of the rack system.

To change the rack is quite a job and there are a couple of tight places that you have to get into but no special tools needed. but you do have to drop the back of the subframe down and i supportted the motor with a floor jack. Good luck

andrei3333 · Post by **andrei3333** » 21 Mar 2010, 21:55

yup had this done on my car, paid $1450 canadian to rebuild mine, now all is well, i do suggest a rebuilt instead of a used one as you never know what you are getting