Need steering rack recommendations

PresseR · Post by **PresseR** » 11 May 2015, 22:27

So I have thrown an known good pump on and the steering is still tight and binding. I need an alignment anyway so I am going to throw a full rack and tie rod ends at my saffron.

Was thinking Erie for some sort of assurances with a warranty then I found this...

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1998-2000-Vo ... 495-70.htm

Thoughts?

Post by **misha** » 11 May 2015, 22:46

Did you bleed all air from system?

Post by **erikv11** » 11 May 2015, 23:30

I think rackdoctor has at least a decent reputation, maybe better. I have used Jorgen automotive for rebuild, been very happy.

matt122s · Post by **matt122s** » 12 May 2015, 05:17

I used to own a '98 V70R and when it needed a rack I purchased it from FCP. The price was good and it came with a lifetime warranty which was great. At the time they were selling Jorgen racks.. You could call FCP and see who they are using now for racks. I've seen steering U joints at the bottom of the steering column cause tightness and binding, it might not be the rack. I'd spend a little more time diagnosing the problem. Why replace the rack if it's not time.

Post by **E Showell** » 12 May 2015, 06:29

I just used MVS advertiser eEuroparts.com for a rack. They use Atlantic something in the southern U.S. as their supplier of rebuilt racks. Atlantic purports to use an extensive remanufacturing process, including quality control. I went with an Atlantic rack based on a recommendation here.

Yesterday, while the rack was being installed, I received a call from my mechanic that the remanufactured rack had a hairline crack where one of the lines screwed into it and that screwing in the line caused the crack to expand, so the rack was essentially useless.

I got on the phone with eEuroparts.com and Zak understood the issue and committed to shipping out another remanufactured Atlantic rack to replace the bad one. He gave me the MVS 5% discount that I did not ask for the first time and absorbed a price increase of about $40 from the time of initial purchase of the first rack (about three weeks ago) to yesterday's price from Atlantic. My mechanic is supposed to have the replacement rack in hand by 10:30 a.m. this morning.

I couldn't really have asked eEuroparts.com to do anything more than they did and they mentioned that they've used Atlantic as a supplier of rebuilt racks for about 10 years and haven't really had any prior complaints of the type I voiced. The jury is still out on this one since the replacement rack hasn't yet arrived or been installed, but the Atlantic rebuilt racks seem to be more highly regarded than some others that are out there. The Atlantic rack from eEuroparts.com was around $265. Now, it is closer to $305. I guess some stuff can slip through quality control, but I was disappointed by the apparent lack of quality control from Atlantic, especially given their website content touting their detailed, careful remanufacturing process and quality control inspection.

For comparison's sake, I can get a new Volvo rack from Bridgewater Volvo (my local dealer) for the bargain price of $1,031 plus tax.

Post by **xHeart** » 12 May 2015, 11:09

Jorgen Auto's provided a TRW rack for our 1997 850. It has worked for me, thanks to erikv11 of Iowa, http://jorgenauto.com/rack-pinion/volvo.html.

Post by **oragex** » 12 May 2015, 15:28

The lower steering coupler turns smooth?

PresseR · Post by **PresseR** » 12 May 2015, 17:49

I hearyou all on the lower steering column joint. How do I test it?

The system has been thoroughly bleed.

Post by **misha** » 12 May 2015, 18:43

With carefully watched oil level,opened cap,engine idling and turning steering wheel from full lock to full lock untill the noise or air bubbles disappears?

Post by **cuhfs** » 12 May 2015, 19:33

Ditto on Jorgan. Pleasure to deal with. Bought one about a year ago and I did the install. Had some stiffness at first after the install... but seems to be worked out finally.