Steering, how to check by Volvo procedure.

[zegers]

Was the inner tie rod replaced on that side? When these are being replaced, the inner centring bushing can fail upon torquing the tie rod, if the rack bar is not counterhold (Volvo has a special tool for this). Not always but may happen. Anyhow, you need a replacement rack so look for a used one if keeping the car - and its a good job, several hours. 'Refurbished' racks may or may not be good

Oragex, You are right about the left inner tie rod. I can see wrench marks on it, probably was not counter hold and the bushing was damaged.

I have seen a new AAE steering rack at RockAuto for about $310 US. I think I go that way.

[537playing]

Go to a different shop for your inspection. I find that some people aren’t skilled to perform their jobs and give answers like the one you got.

[chrism]

I'm curious if you lifted each wheel, one at a time, from under the lower control arm/ball joint. That way you would be analyzing with the suspension and tie rod in a close-to-normally-loaded position.

[zegers]

I'm curious if you lifted each wheel, one at a time, from under the lower control arm/ball joint. That way you would be analyzing with the suspension and tie rod in a close-to-normally-loaded position.

No play if tested in a close to normally loaded position, that's why I started this post.
I think the mechanic (the owner of the business) who started doing safety inspections just a year ago, is too insecure.


This is what makes the car fail inspection:

ONTARIO Passenger / Light-Duty Vehicle Inspection Standard
Reference Handbook
October 2015

 for rack and pinion steering systems there exists excessive free play in the steering mechanism

[zegers]

Go to a different shop for your inspection. I find that some people aren’t skilled to perform their jobs and give answers like the one you got.

I was thinking about that, but this shop is close to me. I cannot get licence plates before the car passes safety, and I don't want to go on the road without plates and insurance.
I had to pay for the inspection already. Going to a different shop would cost me $110 again, and who knows what they would find.
I decided to put the money in a new rack. I am waiting on the two O rings, than I will put the rack in and he will have to write the safety.

[chrism]

Sounds like the problem isn’t so much the rack as it is the racquet.

[oragex]

Side note, I'm in Quebec province, no mandatory inspections here (other than if a cop has a suspicion when a car gets pulled for some reason). I know for sure many cars are in pitiful condition here - i remember a Chrysler Caravan on a lift at a garage, it only had a few inches of the top and lower end remaining off the rear shock absorbers (the rest did melt from rust)

On the other side, these inspections sound pretty scary, and may also trigger owners to put cheap parts upon selling their car. But I guess it also helps most cars be in better condition when they come up for sale (suspension/steering wise)

[zegers]

Sounds like the problem isn’t so much the rack as it is the racquet.

What is a racquet?

[abscate]

Play on words , orange

Racket is a word for a someone scamming or not being up front

[chrism]

Play on words , orange

Racket is a word for a someone scamming or not being up front

It would help if my phone and I would spell it right.