1996 850 GLT Steering Rack Replacement

[mtfrith]

My '96 850 GLT has 160,000 mi. Put new tires on this week and Goodyear Dealer said that Steering Rack needed replacement which required new Tie Rod Ends, and recommended a flush of Power Steering fluid. Cost quote was for $1189.62.

Is this job doable at home by a novice mechanic? If so, do you have a previous post that provides that marvelous step-by-step method? OR, is this one of those take to a professional? Thank you.

[Nick'sTurbowagon]

I just removed my steering rack and front sway bar from my 1996 850 turbowagon.

Volvospeed has some good step by steps to complement the Hayes manual.

I would change everything that you take off. But that is my style as I do not like redoing a project afterwards. It would typically take me a weekend to do this job as I also like to restore at the same time. Remember to get the car aligned after all is done.

You will need a garage, four jack stands, and a impact gun ( I have a Craftsman electric ) Anytime taking off suspension parts of that age do not expect to loosen them with a 3/8 in drive.

The rebuilt rack cost $250 + core charge $150. The tie rod ends $16 each from FCP Groton.

Do look at your sway bar as it is a good time to change that if it is needed or you want some improvement with IPD's heavy duty sway bar.

[JRL]

You should mention that the INNER tie rods come with the rack, the outers, as you said, are cheap!
If you're handy it's probably a 3-4 hour job and you really need a lift to do this comfortably