I really need a power steering rack, 2017-who to buy from?

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 09 Dec 2016, 07:29

With 2017 approaching, what is the latest and most current opinion of the community, on who to buy a power steering rack from?

I had just installed a rebuilt rack from "Cardone", and it lasted only 2000 miles, before it started leaking, from the same side as the one I replaced (driver's side). It lasted 93 days, and the warranty expired after 90. Local euro-parts store, said tough luck, and I had to eat the $350 cost, plus another $400 in labor, and $75 for the alignment. I never lit $800 on fire, but I think the flames would have lasted longer than the rack did

I can't afford another mistake, and need a solid lead on who to buy from. I really don't care about the cost, because this car is in perfect shape, it is a 1998 V70 T5, and this part is completely incapacitating my car because it leaks the whole reservoir in only 50miles of driving. It makes a big mess everywhere I park, and I just can't keep topping it off, so I stopped driving it.

Who, as of this current date, is the go to place for quality rebuilds? My one friend said I'd be better off trying to find an original used one from a junkyard. However, I don't trust some junkyard to check the boots for oil, and they are just in it for the money and would have no issue sending a JUNK part out, and then I'm out another $600 in labor and alignment, again! His car has 276,000 on his 1998 V70, on the original rack, and it doesn't leak a drop! Funny how an original rack lasted 138x LONGER than a "brand new rebuilt"!! Makes me sick actually, how there is no quality control with parts these days.

Ok, thanks!

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 09 Dec 2016, 07:33

I would like to add.... I would be willing to buy the oil seal that seals the inner tie rod, and have a shop pull the inner tie rod, and just fix the seal, but apparently Volvo doesn't sell the seal anymore.

Post by **cn90** » 09 Dec 2016, 07:53

I bought my 98 S70 used, but the P.O. used the dealer for steering rack.
I have the receipts.
The local Volvo dealer, believe it or not, bought the steering rack from local NAPA auto parts store.
Installed 6 years ago @ 130K miles by Volvo dealer.
I am now at 180K miles (50K miles later), no issues with the rack.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Dec 2016, 09:30

Jorge Automotive (http://www.jorgenauto.com) sells rebuilt and rebuilds the racks themselves. "Lifetime warranty" though check the details. I haven't bought from them in a few years, but they have always been good. Call them up and talk to them about the rack you need, to get a feel for how they do business.

Post by **scot850** » 09 Dec 2016, 09:40

I bought a set of seals for a rack made by Corteco. There are 2 racks used on Volvos TRW and SMI. I have the SMI version.

My only concern is I would have tried them on the OE rack, but the replacement rack may just be bad and replacing the seal may be of no use.

I understand there have been right ups on replacing the LH seal in situ, but apparently RH end is not accessible on the car.

FCP has racks and their parts come with lifetime warranty. Just doesn't cover the labour. I think they still supply Maval (?) re-built racks but I've heard mixed reviews.

Neil.

Post by **rguzz** » 09 Dec 2016, 09:47

Second Jorgenauto.com. I have gone this route with several vehicles over the years. Check with them.

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 09 Dec 2016, 18:23

In my searches, Jorgen keeps coming up, even in several year old posts. I might try the ATP AT-205 treatment first, in the hopes of it resealing the gasket. If it doesn't work, then it might be Jorgen.

Does / or why doesn't / Volvo offer racks anymore? There should be a reputable solution to such a common problem! In fact prior to buying my V70, my Volvo friend said to MAKE SURE the rack is good. No leaks during a 45 mile 2 hour test drive, but the seller must have done a GREAT job disguising the leak and he did a great job powerwashing the chassis, because my ASE tech friend and I looked under the car, and didn't see anything. Leak started dripping noticeably one week after buying the car! Ugggh.

Post by **cn90** » 09 Dec 2016, 20:20

NAPA Steering Rack is NRP 242672, $450 or so.

Rmeuropean dot com has TRW, about $425.

Post by **erikv11** » 10 Dec 2016, 07:52

cn90 wrote: ... Rmeuropean dot com has TRW, about $425.

I might jump on that item if my P80 needed a rack. If you go with Jorgen, the four tie rods will not be the best quality. Buy from TRW and they are factory grade.