Volvo Tie-rod play

[volvoaddict007]

Members of this thread,


Just stoppin buy to proudly say I am Hit # 6000

( This sort of thing always impresses me. )

Now you guys will always know the day the thread hit 6K



va007

[howie]

Hi All,

I just wanted to add a small detail to the very helpful post from MadeInJapan above. The absolute best way to get an outer tie-rod end to break free from the steering arm is simply to hit the arm (not the tie-rod or its stud) very hard with a hammer.

I've modified the picture posted above with an arrow showing where to strike:


So, you basically swing the hammer pretty hard and repeatedly strike the piece of the steering arm that surrounds the tie-rod stud. This has never not worked for me. After only one strike or perhaps ten strikes, the tie-rod will eventually break free. Usually, this is obvious, as it will simply pop out. Sometimes, however, you may need to tap very lightly with the hammer on the tie-rod stud end. But only do this lightly. You do not want to hammer with any real force on that stud because it may mushroom and then you could have a real tough time getting it out of the arm.

Also, those wedged separating forks (I forget the proper name) aren't a very good idea since they'll chew up any dust boot on the tie-rod (that may be OK if you're replacing the tie-rod, but not if you're keeping it, so don't bother buying a fork). The hammering-the-arm method always works.

I hope this helps.

-Justin

Thank you for the advice! I used you banging method today on my S70 and it worked like a charm, I used a small sledge and it popped my 9 year old tie rod ends out like popcorn.

[wooded]

I havn't found a standard for tie rod play, i think a mechanic rolls it and feels a small amount of resistance to rotation. I just replaced an inner tie rod and when out the thing just swings in the air. for safety items like this a good rule of thumb is it shouldnt be loose!

[t5rrr]

Edited
They said to at least have the left side taken car of.) They gave me a price estimate on the fix. However... they want $149.45 to do it. $88.25 for the parts, and $61.20 for labor. Why in the world is it $88 for parts?! The tie-rod end form eEuroparts.com costs $15. Are there other parts that would be involved in replacing that?

If they are really quoting Volvo parts then it's reasonable as I bought Volvo outer tie rods from FCP and they are about $30 each.

After fixing the fuel tank recall, my local Volvo dealer quote about $300 for outer tie-rod job including alignment, you can imagine how fast I drove my brick out the door!