Outer Tie Rod Replacement Tutorial - 850, S70, V70, XC70

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 16 Oct 2012, 14:15

So after the forums for about an hour I have yet to find a write up about replacing tie rods. I'm sure one exist and I probably just missed it. Can someone point me in the right direction?
I have a 2000 V70XC and need to replace the right side inner and outer tie rods.
Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Oct 2012, 15:17

I don't think we have a writeup but it is quite easy.

1) Loosen the jamb nut behind the outer tie rod end.

2) Remove the nut that holds the bottom of the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle.

3) Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Volvo has a special press tool but you can leave the nut on the end of the tie rod end and give it a couple of whacks with a short 5 lb. sledge hammer. It will pop right out.

4) Remove the outer tie rod end without letting the jamb nut move.

5) Measure and record the distance from the end of the inner tie rod to the jamb nut. Remove the jamb nut.

6) Release the bellows that covers the inner tie rod joint with the steering rack.

7) Use a large pipe wrench (a pipe extender for the handle helps me) to remove the inner tie rod.

Replacement is the reverse of removal. There are torque specifications for the inner tie rod and the jamb nut but I just get them as tight as I can. When threading on the new outer tie rod end put the jamb nut at the same distance that you measured in step 5. The measurement will get you close enough to drive the car to the alignment shop.

Be sure to get the correct part, there is a break point at chassis number 549830 which is the last six digits of your VIN number.

...Lee

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 16 Oct 2012, 17:00

Thanks I appreciate the help!

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Oct 2012, 23:10

On replacement, it is a recommended to use blue Loctite on the threads of the inner tie rod, where it screws into the steering rack.

bw77 · Post by **bw77** » 17 Oct 2012, 07:32

Check out the links in this thread:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=26440

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Oct 2012, 09:12

Also, for re-installing the boot, zip ties are a cheap and easy solution. These are just dust boots, so while clamps are fine they are also not necessary.

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 17 Oct 2012, 09:31

Thanks for the quick responses and tips! bw77 that is a great write up thanks!
Is it possible to do this without buying new boots? I'm not opposed to it but I don't have time to get boots between now and when I do this repair.

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Oct 2012, 10:17

Yep, you can re-use them. As Erik said, use a zip-tie to secure them.

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Oct 2012, 12:42

I reused the boots because the ones they sent me looked really junky. They were still going strong after 210k and 16 years.

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Oct 2012, 16:25

Here is a tip on outer tie rod replacement: