New steering rack won't turn right Topic is solved

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 30 Aug 2021, 13:08

Hey guys.
I just replaced my power steering rack. I used a remanned into unit from Napa. Everything with the install seemed good and I finished by turning the wheel lock to lock 10 times while topping off the fluid. Everything seemed normal and it turned easily in both directions

When I went to pull out of my drive for an alignment the steering got really hard in the right direction until it wouldn't move. Right now it is starting to move a little bit but it's still tough. Anyone know what's going on? Could it be an air pocket?

Update: right steering is back. I am now repeating the flush procedure. The fluid level isn't going down so I can't be sure whether it was an air pocket or not.

Update 2: Now it seems completely normal. I took it for a test drive and all seems well. I am worried it will lock up on me again but hoping it was just an air pocket.

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 30 Aug 2021, 17:41

I let it cool down for a few hours and now the problem is back. Left turning is fine but right won't go...

Post by **cn90** » 30 Aug 2021, 18:23

Rebuilding a steering rack is very difficult.
Not only the rebuild kits should be genuine but the correct techniques are important.
NAPA stuffs are hit-or-miss bc they use rebuilders in the USA.
Most rebuilders use seals kit from China to save cost.

For 2001 V70 base, the steering rack is either 36050357 or 36050358.

Of course, if you have $1200, then use Volvo Genuine steering rack bc it is known to work 200K miles...

If budget is still a concern, then wait a bit so other forum members can chime in re their experience on aftermaket: brand A vs B vs C etc.

Check Maval brand review...

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 30 Aug 2021, 19:14

I tried to bleed the system again and it blew the brand new pressure hose off at the crimp between the hard line and the rubber bit. I checked that the hose was free of obstructions before installation. Did I just get a bad rack from the shelf? I really don't feel like doing this job a third time but the Volvo part is out of my budget. Roll the dice with an exchange from Napa? Hopefully they'll stand behind their product. I'm at the end of my rope here.

Post by **cn90** » 30 Aug 2021, 21:36

- What brand is the "brand-new pressure hose"? Hope it was not "URO" brand...

- When it comes to steering system, I only stays with Genuine Volvo lines, and SMI steering rack, simply bc it is a LOT of labor hours involved. This is not a light bulb that you can argue using any brand.

- Any job that requires massive amount of labor, stick to Genuine brand or well-review brands...

PS: Another option is to sell the car for $500 (junk yard). Save money and aggravation and invest in a let's say low mileage 2006 V70 and keep for a long time...

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 31 Aug 2021, 05:29

The pressure hose was from pro parts Sweden and the rack was a remanned SMI from Napa. I don't think anything was wrong with the hose other than me reefing on the wheel when something was obviously wrong with the rack. It feels like it wasn't flowing on the pressurized side of the rack which caused too much pressure to build in the hose. I am going to try to exchange the bad rack at Napa and try the same thing again hoping for different results (definition of insanity, right?). The second time replacing the rack went faster than the first so hopefully the third will be even quicker.

Post by **vtl** » 31 Aug 2021, 06:07

cn90 wrote: ↑30 Aug 2021, 18:23 Of course, if you have $1200, then use Volvo Genuine steering rack bc it is known to work 200K miles...

As EU manufacturer, Volvo is obliged to use reman parts as much as possible for repairs. Buying a factory-remanufactured SMI or Bosch-ZF rack is no different than "new" Volvo, only $600 less. Unfortunately reman parts in general are still worse than new ones, but what can we do?

I've got my Bosch-ZF a few years ago, it still works.

Post by **cn90** » 31 Aug 2021, 07:00

- The Pro Parts Sweden Steering Hose: I'd prefer Volvo Genuine hose. I understand it costs more.
When this high-pressure hose bursts, it can cause fire bc ATF is flammable...
Some Mercedes caught fir bc of this issue.

- Re Volvo "New", many Volvo dealer website lists the steering rack as "New"...

Post by **cn90** » 31 Aug 2021, 07:01

Another source for used steering rack is ebay, look for a vehicle that was in an accident and has < 100K miles...

willysmd · Post by **willysmd** » 01 Sep 2021, 18:42

cn90 wrote: ↑31 Aug 2021, 07:00 - The Pro Parts Sweden Steering Hose: I'd prefer Volvo Genuine hose. I understand it costs more.
When this high-pressure hose bursts, it can cause fire bc ATF is flammable...

Luckily the only unions between rubber and hard line on the pressure hose are in front of the radiator so the chance of fire would be pretty low.

I talked with Napa and they will replace the rack no questions asked. I am waiting on the new rebuilt rack to come from a store out of state. I will zip the old rack out this weekend and stick the new one in along with a fresh pressure hose. Here to hoping the third time's the charm!