Interchangeability of rack types, vin numbers and adjusting preloaded.

[PS78]

Hi, so here's the deal.. I'm looking at a rack replacement right now for a 2000 s70 I've confirmed I have the SMI rack installed in the car from numbers and visual inspection. I do not have any leaks, however there is excessive play and noise from within the rack. I've searched all over for an adjustment procedure pertaining to the yoke but havent come up with anything for this model. I'm assuming that its inaccessible or something. If someone has a link for a topic related please do share. My other question is this, is there a reason why a TRW type rack cannot be used as a replacement such as line fitting locations, mounting type, ujoint etc? There is a considerable difference in price and availability of the types of racks. I'm aware that the brands use different diameter inners but is there anything else that prevents interchangeability in a swap?
Thanks.

[MadeInJapan]

I'm not sure of the answers to most if all of your questions, but I know when my rack on my S70 was leaking several years ago, as a stop-gap measure I added Lucas power steering fluid to my tank but sucking some of the original fluid out...I was told that this would probably be a "fix" that might or might not work and at best I could hope for a year with this rack. Probably 4 years later, there are no leaks and my rack has tightened up and working fine! Another thing I did was add a round magnet (you know those that look like a donut) dangling from the cap's inside (onto that spring that's in there) with a small zip tie. When I change my oil, I always check that magnet and most often wipe a bit of goo (metal particles) that get stuck to it. I figure that this acts as a filter of sorts and keeps those metal particles from continuing to eat away at my rack. Eventually, if I keep driving this car, a new rack might become inevitable, for the time being things are good with it. I do know that the sub-frame has to be dropped to replace a rack and I assume the attachment points and/or brackets are different between the racks you mention.

[PS78]

I assume the attachment points and/or brackets are different between the racks you mention.

Thanks for your insight.
I'm still wondering about that myself. I wish it was just a leak, but its dry. I have just enough looseness within the rack itself that I'm getting the ponk, ponk, noise when turning and whenever else it decides to when I'm on the road and its coming from within the pinion area. I would love to know if it is possible to tighten it in small increments to see if I can avoid replacing the entire unit.
The reason I ask about interchanging rack types is because all the pics I see of the remanufactured units look identical, so I don't know if its one of those things were they just had SMI make something similar to the TRW type or if the line fittings and brackets are different and swapping between the 2 is a no go. The price difference and availibility with the 2 types is considerable that's why I'm wondering.

[erikv11]

Actually I have read just the opposite many times, that the attachment points and brackets are the same between SMI and TRW racks. All that matters is the tie rods. E.g. http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/17 ... 8-v70-t5m/.

I've never done the swap but several others have, I would trust the info.

[PS78]

Actually I have read just the opposite many times, that the attachment points and brackets are the same between SMI and TRW racks. All that matters is the tie rods. E.g. http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/17 ... 8-v70-t5m/.

I've never done the swap but several others have, I would trust the info.

That's good news then. Still wondering if an adjustment is possible on the rack itself. If tightening the rack was successful that would seriously save some time and money. I'm going to get her off the ground and have a look. I know this has been done to a variety of vehicles to remedy the issue, so I'll report back my findings. If its doable I'll take some pictures. If not...point me to a good reman unit

[erikv11]

I agree that the steering rack is a real PITA job and I would definitely try to find a way around it. The only one I have done is with the engine out of the car.

Please let us know how it goes, what you find.

[scot850]

If I could ship anything without huge expense, I have a spare SMI seal kit I could give you. Canada Post is not finalising a lock out until Monday earliest. Otherwise would have to ship with Fed-Ex or UPS/whatever - not cheap.

I got the kit for about $20 from Corteco direct if that helps? I can get you the kit part number. The only seal not included it the dustcap on the steering column which is not technically a seal.

I can't believe even Volvo would have 2 different sub-frames to accommodate 2 different steering racks. I know the spare CMI rack I have has an adapter plate to align it to the sub-frame holes.

Also are the end links for the track rods not the same for both racks? Is it not just the inner track rod and the rack that are different?

Neil.

[PS78]

If I could ship anything without huge expense, I have a spare SMI seal kit I could give you.

Neil.

Neil I really appreciate the gesture. The rack doesn't appear to be leaking at any of the seals. The condition the seals are in is pretty good considering age. After examining the rack I don't see a way to attempt tightening the internal lash without having to at least partially dissamble the mounting hardware at best, or removing the unit at worst. Honestly since this car's been around almost 17 years I think with the labor involved I'm not going to roll the dice I'm just going to replace it. In fairness to the car, a rack lasting that long put its time in. I just need to source a reputable replacement and get set up for the swap now.

[erikv11]

Jorgen Automotive rebuilt a rack for me, I recommend them.