2000 V70 Genuine brand or Aftermarket Power Steering Rack?

ashlee2319 · Post by **ashlee2319** » 25 Jul 2019, 09:47

I just bought a 2000 V70 SE Non-turbo with only, get this.. 83,000 miles.

Almost everything is A1 and the interior is pristine, but the power steering rack has a fast leak, and needs to be replaced immediately. I am constantly filling the reservoir, and when I do.. it steers perfectly. (I am baffled that it needs to even be replaced).
I have not gotten it looked at- this is just what the previous owners told me/assumed.

Question. Should I put an aftermarket rack in this thing? The indy shop quoted $750-$900 and the dealer wants $2200. I know Volvos love their own parts which is why I ask.

I am a full-time engineering student and I rely on loans for income, so bring on the debt.

This car has a lot of life left in it and am very grateful to have swooped it up.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jul 2019, 10:04

Ashlee - how much are you driving it? You could drive it without Power steering and defer the repair for summer or when cash comes. We had a recent post where someone drove a PS pump without oil a long time.

FCP sells the TRW rack for $300 with lifetime warranty

All data shows complete RR of rack at 3 hours

so about $800 job is right with an alignment afterwards

ashlee2319 · Post by **ashlee2319** » 25 Jul 2019, 10:21

Hi abscate,

I drive around in the city (<35mph) maybe 25-30 miles a week at most. I was concerned about leaving oil out of it because I thought it would damage the PS pump, and also that unpleasant sound. I guess I am thinking about the longevity of the TRW rack since there is a lot of life left in the car. I will ponder I suppose.

Thanks for your input-

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jul 2019, 12:29

You might be able to find a short serpentine belt that cuts out the PS pump and will let you drive that without spinning the pump. On a 1999, though, the alternator turns backwards from the other pulleys and that is important, so that might be hard to do.

If you disconnect the PS pump from the rack after draining the oil, I don't think it makes the nasty noise. You might have to lube it once in a while, like once a week - then maybe once a month