Power steering rack brand opinions and experiences, Feb 2022

[bmdubya1198]

Only difference is the bracket for the rear engine/transmission mount. You could just hack it off a FWD rack and use that on an AWD if you really wanted to.

[scot850]

Thanks for the info!I have a spare used rack somewhere, now need to check it for that mount. I think I recall removing it from a V70XC but need to look it over!

Neil.

[bmdubya1198]

My cousin and I installed a rack in his '98 V70 last week from Rack Doctor. It took a little bit of time to arrive (2.5 weeks) but that's because he had to get his hands on a core to rebuild. He was very good about keeping my cousin updated on the status on his order.
So far so good, and I expect it to last. Rack Doctor has a good reputation, so I'm hoping it won't leak for a very long time.

[FireFox31]

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to hear a good review of Rack Doctor after the first and second bad reviews from April 2022.

[abscate]

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to hear a good review of Rack Doctor after the first and second bad reviews from April 2022.

I think his product is fine, his social skills are an area of opportunity to improve….

[bmdubya1198]

I think his product is fine, his social skills are an area of opportunity to improve….

Yeah, that seems to be the main problem with him. Like I said, there were some delays, but he didn't seem to be too bad to deal with from what I was told.

[Clemens]

Are the ps racks identical on all FWD p80 models or were there different suppliers?

[abscate]

Are the ps racks identical on all FWD p80 models or were there different suppliers?

There were two OE suppliers, SMI (hex shape on bottom of the steering shaft) and TRW ( round shape)

You can use either one but the inner tie rods have to match the rack as they are different. The outer toe rods are the same for both racks ( often made by TRW)

There are a lot of aftermarket racks out there on old P80s, I don’t know how you sort out the inner tie rod/rack match on those. It’s probably smart to buy a rack with inners and outers as a unit. Outer tie rod ends are about $15 for lower end, amd $30 for top shelf Lemforders. With one hour of my labor now $30, it’s a cinch to go new and not fight the old ones off and one.

You can match threads and town drive, until you get to an alignment shop.

[Clemens]

inner tie rods? the rods where the outer tie rods are mounted on?

[bmdubya1198]

inner tie rods? the rods where the outer tie rods are mounted on?

Correct. The pieces that are partially covered by the rubber boot.