Is it possible to identify the steering rack by its visual appearance?

SvenGWK · Post by **SvenGWK** » 06 Apr 2018, 10:17

I need to order a new set of steering rods for my 1998 C70 2.5T.
The sticker under the hood shows a TRW steering (#4). So far so good.
However, the steering rack on the car has already been replaced and it is not known for sure that exactly the part was installed there that was once installed as original model.
I can't see any imprints from above or from the side.
Is it possible to identify the model of the steering rack by any other signs?
If not - is the part number visible from below? (I would prefer not to rent a car lift to find out that no number/manufacturer markings are visible when installed

)

SvenGWK · Post by **SvenGWK** » 06 Apr 2018, 11:09

I got this picture from a video I just did (mobile phone on broomstick). Unfortunately, there's not much to be seen on it either.
However, the engine mount seems to have cracked.
Should this be replaced or is it still OK?

: steering.JPG (105.52 KiB) Viewed 5690 times

SvenGWK · Post by **SvenGWK** » 06 Apr 2018, 11:29

According to this video (at 1:31) there should be a VOLVO print on the TRW near the rubber bearing. The guy compares the TRW against the SMI:

However, mine looks different:

: steering2.JPG (112.33 KiB) Viewed 5685 times

I guess my steering rack is some kind of cheap aftermarket stuff.

My steering rack has a metal plate(heat shield?) like this which is mounted on the SMI in the polish youtube video. But I guess that's not a feature but it's universal?

Post by **xHeart** » 06 Apr 2018, 12:31

See this thread viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54721&hilit=steering+rack

SvenGWK · Post by **SvenGWK** » 06 Apr 2018, 12:41

Thanks, it seems mine's an aftermarket part. Who knows where the manufacturer has labeled it....
Hmm, looks like I'll have to get under the car tomorrow.

Post by **scot850** » 06 Apr 2018, 14:25

Been a long time since I had a look at the steering rack. Both my cars have SMI racks. I am not 100% sure, but I think I recall the SMI rack has their brand toward the back of the rack and needs to be seen from below looking forwards. It can be hidden by dirt so check carefully.

Neil.

Post by **erikv11** » 06 Apr 2018, 14:28

Look at the grease cap on the bottom of the steering gear. TRW rack has a smooth / rounded cap, SMI sack has a hexagonal end like a large raised nut.

SvenGWK · Post by **SvenGWK** » 06 Apr 2018, 14:40

Thanks for the hint. I have this hexagonal nut. So apparently the TRW steering has been replaced by one from SMI.

Post by **xHeart** » 11 Apr 2018, 07:05

If there is no record of steering rack replacement, then assume your car takes SMI rack, simple. The rebuilder said SMI & TRW are not interchangeable.

Post by **FLXC90** » 11 Apr 2018, 15:28

xHeart wrote: ↑11 Apr 2018, 07:05 If there is no record of steering rack replacement, then assume your car takes SMI rack, simple. The rebuilder said SMI & TRW are not interchangeable.

Parts are not interchangeable (inner tie-rods) from one to the other, but complete units may be swapped.