Where to buy replacement steering rack for 2001 V70 Topic is solved

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 19 Aug 2021, 18:38

Hey Guys,
My daily is an '01 V70 base with the M56 and 207,000 miles on the clock. My steering has been wondering a bit this year and I noticed the power steering fluid started leaking so it looks like it's time for a new rack. I was hoping to get a new rack from FCP but they only have the Volvo brand part for almost $1400! From the few interchanges I have looked up, my rack was only used from 01-03 on FWD S60 and V70s. Does anyone know whether the racks from the later cars (04-07) will work in a pinch? There is a significant price difference and more availability for the later racks. Even the Cardone rack is $350 for my car and I try to avoid Cardone like the plague. Has anyone tried any of the racks in the $300-400 range with good luck?

My second question is whether it's a bad idea to get a salvaged rack. The u-pulls in my area don't have the right cars in stock but there are a few full service places within a couple hours that have A grade racks for less than $100. Is there a good way to inspect an rack after it's been removed from the car?

I appreciate any input and thank you guys for helping me keep my old beater wagon on the road.

Post by **br0dy519** » 19 Aug 2021, 22:48

You're in the states, which means you have plenty of options. Rackdoctor, Detroit Axle, Erie Vovo, Rockauto, junk yard, any local auto parts supplier.

I would NOT assume any rack other than your prescribed P/N will work. Please refer to VIDA/VADIS/Volvo dealer parts hotline for your rack part number. You WILL need to use your VIN to find out.

I got my rack from a junkyard last year. Any reputable junkyard isn't going to sell you a rack that isn't in good condition (rust,visible leaks, damage from wreck etc).

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 20 Aug 2021, 04:18

I'm leaning toward the salvage option so I can get an actual Volvo part. I have heard that Cardone and Detroit Axle are usually poor quality and I've also seen a few people here mention the Maval racks were leaky as soon as they installed them. Has anyone here tried the AAE 3349n? Rock Auto has it for $350 which is in my budget as long as it's good quality.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 22 Aug 2021, 16:35

How can I tell whether I have the variable assist or not? My rack is the smi 6820000015 and I think it doesn't have variable assist but I'm having a hard time confirming that for sure.

Edit: The rack pictured on the on the FCP website as part no. 36050357 which is W/O variable assist shows the smi 6820000015 stamp in the casting. I don't feel like I should go off that picture alone but it's the best I've found so far.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 28 Aug 2021, 10:40

I picked up a smi 6820000015 rack from the salvage yard that's in decent shape. It is indeed non variable.

I am stuck right now because the steering shaft won't come out of the old rack. I have given it a pretty good beating with a drift to no avail. I even tried to wedge a screwdriver into the pinch slot to spread it out a bit but that didn't work either. I'm afraid to heat it because the shift cables run right next to the steering shaft.

Has anyone had this problem? Any tips?

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2021, 18:22

Willy

Go inside the car and disconnect the steering shaft at the U joint

Then you can get the thing out if the car, up in the bench and get it apart.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 28 Aug 2021, 19:15

abscate wrote: ↑28 Aug 2021, 18:22 Go inside the car and disconnect the steering shaft at the U joint

That's a good idea but I'm not sure if the rack would squeeze out with the shaft attached. It was a real right squeeze as it was. I ended up getting it out by just beating it harder and wedging a larger screwdriver in the pinch slot. It looks like whoever was in there before me cut a slot in the rack shaft and staked it to make the steering shaft stay on. I guess they couldn't find the right size bolt. It's a bit terrifying to see a corner cut like that.
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Post by **vtl** » 29 Aug 2021, 09:45

It always freezes like that. Steel-aluminum pressurized contact, salt, water and time - all it takes to infuse materials into each other. Use some anti-seize for your replacement rack.

You still can take the rack out, just lower the subframe a bit more and rotate the rack.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 29 Aug 2021, 10:27

Here's how the previous owner secured the rack to the shaft. I'm glad it worked but this kind of work is downright scary. No idea why he didn't just use a bolt.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 29 Aug 2021, 14:14

Well, the new rack is in and leaking from one of it's hard lines... You get what you pay for, sometimes less.

Looks like I'll be missing work tomorrow and trying my luck with a remanned unit from NAPA. I have heard bad things about some of the remans but I'm out of options now. Time to remove the new(old) rack and wallow in self pity.