1998 S70 GLT What would you do?

Post by **WyoVolvo** » 22 Sep 2015, 11:41

I think I already know the answer to this one but I'm asking because there's usually something I'm not considering.

I have two '98 Volvos. The V70 T5 is now a parts car for the S70 GLT. I spent a good chunk of this past weekend pulling the steering rack with the idea that I would be putting it into the GLT because the ends of the one in the GLT are leaking, especially on the passenger side. I just bought the GLT recently with this in mind. It needs a few things that I can pull from the V70 T5.

Well... obviously, the rack swap is a huge job. I don't want to do it more than once- or pay someone else to more than once. The question is: do I spend money on a new rack because it's a big job or roll the dice on my used one?

The one in the V70 is fine- hasn't leaked. I don't know if it's the original, we've only had the car for 3 years and it's got about 205k miles. I haven't found parts to rebuild the rack except for boots and small rings.

Suggestions?

EDIT: Just found a rebuild kit at Reilly. Does that make it all worthwhile?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0031

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Sep 2015, 12:13

It is pretty common for the rack to leak on these cars, probably you would be best advised to rebuild before you swap. I've never rebuilt a rack, but this is a super popular writeup for it:
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... rvice.html
or
http://volvospeed.com/pdf/power_steering.pdf

Also consider this:
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... -leak-fix/

Post by **WyoVolvo** » 24 Sep 2015, 07:33

Thanks!

I've been calling around and I just can't believe that the parts stores want me to pay up to $16 additional for shipping on this, even for pick up at their stores.

Ends up costing over $50. Ugh!

Post by **WyoVolvo** » 16 Nov 2015, 22:56

Sorry for double post. Couldn't delete.

Post by **WyoVolvo** » 16 Nov 2015, 22:58

Well, it's taken me about 2 months to do this, and more, though I did a few hours of work here and there. I really took my time, no rush at all. I pulled the rack and started to rebuild but noticed that the rack had been rebuilt. I decided not to risk tearing it apart. It's in the S70, now, with new outer tie rods. I swapped the fairly new struts into the S70 and installed new IPD end links. I found that the oil cooler lines had the typical leak as well and couldn't find anyone in my tiny town to rebuild them so had to buy new. Grr! Pulled the thermostat and gave it new seals.
Swapped a whole list of other minor parts from the V70 to the S70 and have driven it up and down the street a bit. All seems good, surprisingly.
No problems so far.
I had one issue with the oil cooler lines. The clamp type that holds them onto the radiator isn't the best, IMO. I had new ones. The top one blew off right away, making an oil mess that took a while to clean up. When I put them back, I backed them up with standard hose clamps. Seems to do the trick.
Thanks for advice and this site's how-tos!

Post by **RussB** » 17 Nov 2015, 07:32

I always used zip-ties to secure those clamps onto the radiator fittings. I use snap ring pliers to remove/install them so as not to spread them too far open