98 V70 Tie Rods - Replacement

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Jun 2016, 10:23

Most P80 cars came with TRW, I think all SMI racks were in were 98+ (like OP's).

About using the product pate code: (e.g. see https://www.ipdusa.com/products/5800/11 ... 8-2004-c70)
If that section of the product ID has 7 digits, then the car came with a TRW rack.
If that section of the product ID has 8 digits, then the car came with a TRW rack UNLESS in position 8 there is a 5, which would mean SMI.

Keep in mind that even if a car came with a certain rack, there is no guarantee of what is in there now. Best way is to just look at the rack.

- TRW racks say "TRW" on the boots (see pic).
- SMI racks have a hex nut on the cap under the steering gear, TRW racks have a rounded cap (see pics). I learned this from Jorgen automotive, the tech on the phone instantly knew to ask me the shape of the cap, I recommend them highly for rack rebuilding.

: TRW rack out of the car

: Same rack out of the car, note the rounded cap

: Product plate from a 97 with a TRW rack (7 characters)

: Same car (1997), the TRW boot.

: Same car (1997), the rounded cap. I got this pic by reaching under the car and using a front-facing camera on a cell phone. No need to jack up the car.

I don't have images of SMI racks, only TRW ones, because all of my 850s have had TRW racks. If someone could snap a pic of a the hex cap on an SMI rack and add it to this thread, that would help a lot.

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Jun 2016, 11:59

I guess looking at it is my best bet. I was just trying to have the tie-rod parts ready when I replace the drive axle this weekend so I can do them at the same time. I can take a close look when I do the CV axle and do the tie-rods the following weekend. I'm still going to stop by the world pac place and see what they can get me. They may be able to search based on the VIN number.

If I buy them locally getting the wrong thing is not that big of a deal.

Post by **v-45magna** » 22 Jun 2016, 15:04

The chassis plate should show an eight digit long alphanumeric string at the lower right side of the plate. You can't miss it. The last number will be a 4 or a 5. If the string is only seven digits long, it's a TRW rack. I just did my outer tie rods and boots on my SMI (read code-5) rack. By the way, the Volvo Genuine parts that came out of the Volvo bag for my SMI rack were manufactured by and marked TRW. Don't let that confuse you.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Jun 2016, 15:37

v-45magna wrote:The chassis plate should show an eight digit long alphanumeric string at the lower right side of the plate. You can't miss it. The last number will be a 4 or a 5. If the string is only seven digits long, it's a TRW rack. I just did my outer tie rods and boots on my SMI (read code-5) rack. By the way, the Volvo Genuine parts that came out of the Volvo bag for my SMI rack were manufactured by and marked TRW. Don't let that confuse you.

OK great to hear from someone with an SMI rack, now the same chassis plate info has been posted a handful of times in this thread, there is a clear consensus.

v-45magna, can you maybe reach under the car and take a picture of the cover on the steering gear, as per the pics in my post up above? I would really like to see the cover on an SMI rack.

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Jun 2016, 17:53

v-45magna wrote:The chassis plate should show an eight digit long alphanumeric string at the lower right side of the plate. You can't miss it. The last number will be a 4 or a 5. If the string is only seven digits long, it's a TRW rack. I just did my outer tie rods and boots on my SMI (read code-5) rack. By the way, the Volvo Genuine parts that came out of the Volvo bag for my SMI rack were manufactured by and marked TRW. Don't let that confuse you.

It is difficult to read my data plate so I just did a rubbing with a piece of paper and a lead pencil. I clearly have a 7 digit number. Its either 4F2PEV5 or 4F2PEVS. I rubbed it twice and the last digit is almost certainly an S as in SAM. What I understand is seven digits means TRW and the value of the last digit is irrelevant so it doesn't matter that it might be a 5.

So, I conclude from what's posted here that its a TRW rack. Correct?

However, from what I can see the boot does not say TRW on it. I guess I'll just wait to order my tie-rod parts until I can get a close look at it with the wheel off this weekend. I bought the car used and have no idea what the maintenance history has been before I got it 6 years ago.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 22 Jun 2016, 18:23

The inner tierod threads that thread into the outer tierod are different. If you order a smi rack and order the outer tierods for that smi rack, you will be fine. The same applies for the other style rack. I've had both racks. Smi iirc was for the early xc90 {850} which was 98 ym specific.

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Jun 2016, 18:49

beigg wrote:The inner tierod threads that thread into the outer tierod are different. If you order a smi rack and order the outer tierods for that smi rack, you will be fine. The same applies for the other style rack. I've had both racks. Smi iirc was for the early XC90 {850} which was 98 ym specific.

Not following your comment at all. I'm not buying a new rack. I need inner and outer tie-rods to fit the rack in my car. Thanks, though.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 23 Jun 2016, 01:08

measure the thread pitch and size on your inners. When you buy the outers, the retailer usually puts the information in with the products description.

Post by **v-45magna** » 23 Jun 2016, 17:10

Here is the image you requested. This is an SMI rack on a '99 S70 produced August 1998. I took this six hours ago while installing poly iPd subframe inserts. A most excellent bang for the buck upgrade, by the way.

98v70dad wrote:... from what I can see the boot does not say TRW on it.

I wouldn't let that be a factor. These cars are all getting really old. Isn't it possible the boots have been replaced before? You have done more than the due diligence to make sure what parts to order. So order 'em.

Post by **98v70dad** » 23 Jun 2016, 20:41

v-45magna wrote:Here is the image you requested. This is an SMI rack on a '99 S70 produced August 1998. I took this six hours ago while installing poly iPd subframe inserts. A most excellent bang for the buck upgrade, by the way.

98v70dad wrote:... from what I can see the boot does not say TRW on it.
I wouldn't let that be a factor. These cars are all getting really old. Isn't it possible the boots have been replaced before? You have done more than the due diligence to make sure what parts to order. So order 'em.

Thanks. I appreciate the picture. Now I will be able to positively ID what rack I have when I look at it.

98 V70 Tie Rods - Replacement

Re: 98 V70 Tie Rods - Replacement