Steering rack

Ramp7 · Post by **Ramp7** » 04 Jul 2010, 08:01

1999 215,000 miles
Power steering puked Friday on way home. I've read the process to replace on Alldata and I am a reasonably competent mechanic. Can this job be at home. It seems that I can get a rebuilt for about $300. I've read that a shop may charge up to $2000 to complete.

Some things I need to investigate:
1) Variable speed rack or not.
2) If so, does it need a software download from Dealer?

Thanks for any input.

stevick · Post by **stevick** » 04 Jul 2010, 11:37

I was looking at the same thing on my 2000 s80 2.9 with 293K just a few weeks ago. The rack was pouring fluid. The manual showed procedures that include lowering the subframe assembly somewhat in order to get to it - didn't look very pleasant. I put her on jack stands to inspect what I was getting into and could barely get under there. I definitely was not looking forward to the job. I had found an ebay seller who rebuilds your own assembly for $125.00 (send in and 2-3day return - great feedback)(http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-VOL ... 5fServices)

I then put her down and inspected the assembly from above. If you look down the firewall from the driver's side below the power brake assembly you should see the top of the rack. Two metal tubes with nut fittings going into the housing. If you have variable power assist, you will also see wires coming from the housing. I noticed the I could see threads on the top fitting. With great difficulty, I was able to squeeze my arm down to reach it. The fitting was incredibly loose. I tightened it as much as I could by hand and managed to get a 19mm open end wrench on it to snug it. That did the trick! Filled her up with fluid and bled the system (jacked up, hard left - hold for 2 seconds, hard right - hold for 2 seconds, repeat 20 times). She's been just fine ever since.

If you did need a replacement rack, I'm 99% sure that you would not need any kind of software download (no module there), even if it has variable assist. And even if it did, rebuilding your old assembly would make it unnecessary.

What exactly are you looking at in terms of symptoms?

Good luck!

Ramp7 · Post by **Ramp7** » 04 Jul 2010, 12:50

Thanks,

When it cools off a little today, I'll check her out and possibly remove. Happy 4th.

Mark

Ramp7 · Post by **Ramp7** » 06 Jul 2010, 05:32

Update:

Checked out the possibility of taking it out myself. Without a lift, it seems to be quite a task to support the car properly and lower the front sub frame a couple of inches. Just contacted a local former Volvo mechanic that has his own shop. He can do the job but wants to install a NEW STEERING RACK. I have found a few rebuilt for a third the cost. He stated that they can be problematic. Any opinions out there. Thanks

Ramp7 · Post by **Ramp7** » 06 Jul 2010, 11:14

UPDATE:

Have decided to with local mechanic. Volvo/Saab specialist. He suggests Erie VoVo used part.

Ramp7 · Post by **Ramp7** » 16 Jul 2010, 19:48

Used rack 250 something. Lines, alignment, etc. etc. $1250.00.
Not cheap but all seems well.

claymore850 · Post by **claymore850** » 16 Jul 2010, 21:29

This part can be repaired, Three years ago I had the same problem and repaired with success ..you can review this links

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/power_steering.pdf (how to repair)

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/pro ... ts_id=5150 (parts for just US$ 50.67 + s&h in the UK)

Good luck

neokie · Post by **neokie** » 28 Jul 2010, 10:23

I had the same problem in May 2010.
Found a rebuilt rack at TheAutoPartsShop.com with 3 yr warranty while most only offer 12 mo.
They promptly shipped and issue the core return with in 10 days after receiving old the old rack.
I had a local repair shope install and it and filled with the proper fluid since the owners manual is not correct.
Shop installed for $450 US dollars.

I will use TheAutoPartsShop.com in the furture.