replacing power steering rack

seasider · Post by **seasider** » 11 Jun 2008, 05:04

1999 automatic V70 2.5LIT 10V non turbo (UK vehicle)

Looking at replacing the power steering rack myself and need a bit of advice

The manual says to jack up the vehicle and then support it on axle stands under the sub frame, but you need to lower the sub frame to get the power steering rack out. how do you support the front of vehicle if not by the sub frame ??

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Jun 2008, 07:13

VADIS instructions say to lift the car at the front of the "sills" so that the subframe's rear mounting points become accessible for removal. I really don't know what this means but maybe you do or others could chime in.

They also have you use a "Yoke" to support your engine while you drop the rear of the subframe while at the same time supporting the subframe with an engine lift (which you can probably use a floor jack):

Post by **renns** » 11 Jun 2008, 15:26

MadeInJapan wrote:VADIS instructions say to lift the car at the front of the "sills" so that the subframe's rear mounting points become accessible for removal. I really don't know what this means but maybe you do or others could chime in.

The rear sub-frame is mounted with triangular mounting plates to the vehicle structure. Often the lift pads of the hoist are placed right on top of these plates, making access impossible. When dropping the sub-frame, the lift pads must be located just aft of these mounting plates to allow removal.

They also have you use a "Yoke" to support your engine while you drop the rear of the subframe while at the same time supporting the subframe with an engine lift (which you can probably use a floor jack)

A jack from under the engine/tranny would work, but I'd recommend putting a generous slab of wood inbetween to prevent potential cracking of that cast pan. The front sub-frame mounting bolts will need to be loosened considerably to allow the rear to tilt down enough for proper access.

Post by **JRL** » 11 Jun 2008, 16:45

If you haven't bought yourself the rack yet, fcpgroton has a VERY GOOD aftermarket rack (exchange) for about $230.
I've used two of these and they were just fine.
I'm not a big supporter of that company but this is a good part and can save you a couple of hundred dollars!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Jun 2008, 17:30

There is a very good writeup in Bay 13 that covers rebuilding the rack and it also covers some of the details on removing it.

The bonus is that this was done on a right hand drive car.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/power_steering.pdf

...Lee

seasider · Post by **seasider** » 12 Jun 2008, 00:21

Thanks for all the info guys, will let you know how I get on