1998 S70 Replacing rack and pinion steering

smpires1227 · Post by **smpires1227** » 14 Aug 2013, 10:23

I have a 98 volvo s70 that had a leak in the power steering lines. When I tried to replace the lines I accidentally cracked the rack and pinion steering. I went to a mechanic who told me it would cost over $1000 to fix. Is there any way that I can do it myself? If so, could someone please provide some instructions or tips on how to go about replacing it? Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Aug 2013, 10:45

Replacing the rack is not an easy job but it can be done by a mere mortal. Shop around for the rack itself since the prices are all over the place. They range from around $150.00 to over $400.00 for a rebuilt rack. They will also have a core charge. They all have great warranties but that is of little solace if you install it and it goes bad.

In order to replace the rack you need to support the engine from above and then drop the subframe out from below the engine. If you have a means to support the engine and decide to proceed I can post the shop procedure for you.

...Lee

benrk · Post by **benrk** » 14 Aug 2013, 11:05

I've replaced the rack earlier this year on my '94 850, it was quite an experience.
You don't need any specialty tools or computer other than the top engine brace (which I consider a staple for work on fwd) a good assortment of sockets, extensions, wrenches etc will do & there's no rocket science along the way, just a lot of work.
Lee stated that you have to drop the subframe. Well, you don't HAVE to, we did it in the driveway & jacked up the car on the subframe, when we started running into issues it appeared more feasible to make due than changing the setup, in retrospect I WOULD drop the subframe if I had to do it again.

Good luck, Ben

Post by **cn90** » 14 Aug 2013, 12:30

The people in BMW forums swear by "Rack Doctor". They seem to do good rebuild (BTW, a rebuild kit is $50 but you basically spend 1-2h rebuilding the interior).

Give it a try, about $150...
http://shop.rackdoctor.net/70-SERIES_c416.htm

SUPERBRIK · Post by **SUPERBRIK** » 14 Aug 2013, 18:32

Why don't you purchase my rack out of my 99 s70 for 60 plus shipping... I just so happened to pull the engine and trans this morning before work... and I will not ask for a core charge... LOL

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 14 Aug 2013, 22:32

lee,

can you post the procedure you promised, this (rack R+R) is coming my way i believe.

my neighbor has the top side rack for support from above. i want to go this route.

thx.

smpires1227 · Post by **smpires1227** » 15 Aug 2013, 08:50

Lee,
I would greatly appreciate if you would post the procedure. It would really help I think.
Thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 Aug 2013, 09:03

Here you go.

Steering Rack Replacement Proceudre.pdf: (322.73 KiB) Downloaded 2063 times

Steering Gear Crash Guard.pdf: (72.17 KiB) Downloaded 738 times

...Lee

98moulvo · Post by **98moulvo** » 11 May 2014, 22:44

Would thgis procedure be the same for 99 S70? i have one from a later model 850 that didnt seem to work out due to accessing the pinion housing/fluid lines prior to lowering. Thanks.

rnelson1020 · Post by **rnelson1020** » 27 Feb 2019, 18:12

I just completed replacing the steering rack on my 1998 S70 GLT, along with front and rear motor mounts, etc. It's a b**** of a job but if you have the time and the patience, you can do it. I used a rebuilt unit. The Volvo rack is just too costly. That's probably what your S70 requires. See Robert's youtube video on steering rack replacement. Good luck!