2001 V70 2.4T Failed Massachusetts inspection for steering play

Post by **prwood** » 27 Jan 2024, 13:15

Some of you may recall three years ago that my 2001 V70 2.4T failed Massachusetts state inspection due to excessive play in the sterring rack:

viewtopic.php?t=96401&start=10

At the time, I ended up taking it to a different shop, who ended up passing it. They passed it in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but this year, they failed it for the same issue (after initially refusing to inspect it because the passenger's window wouldn't roll down, but that's another story). I believe the state must have been cracking down on them for being so lenient.

I took it home and checked it out myself, and there is definitely play in the steering rack on the *left side only*. The tie rods and ball joints on that side are all fine, the play is definitely coming from the rack.

Here's a video I took today confirming the play in the rack. Obviously the boot is not properly secured to the rack, but at this point that's not my concern.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP ... RtZ3YxRHlB

Do you think there's any way to fix this, other than replacing the whole steering rack? At this point I'm not sure it's worth tackling such a big job.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 28 Jan 2024, 04:24

No way that can be fixed without taking it out and having it sent to a shop or replaced outright. I would say you are very close to the pinion or rack getting destroyed and losing control of steering.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jan 2024, 04:37

I’m not quite so concerned. There is a lot of structural redundance built into a rack. Are you sure the wheel is being held tight while that play is being exercised? If I push pull on my tie rods on a P80 the steering wheel moves, that’s isn’t play

Post by **prwood** » 28 Jan 2024, 07:33

abscate wrote: ↑28 Jan 2024, 04:37 I’m not quite so concerned. There is a lot of structural redundance built into a rack. Are you sure the wheel is being held tight while that play is being exercised? If I push pull on my tie rods on a P80 the steering wheel moves, that’s isn’t play

I'm not sure about the steering wheel being held. I wasn't watching while the test was being performed, so I don't know if anyone was holding the steering wheel in place. Usually it's just one guy on the ground with a floor jack, jacking up that corner of the car, grabbing the tire, and shoving it left-right and top-bottom. I would assume the test mechanic is testing all vehicles the same way, so if this was just a normal thing to happen when you shoved the tire left-right then he wouldn't be failing me for it.

Truth be told, however, I didn't watch the steering wheel when I was doing my own test at home, but I can try it again and see what happens.

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Jan 2024, 07:35

if only one side moves... unfortunately thats the rack.

Post by **prwood** » 28 Jan 2024, 07:35

dikidera wrote: ↑28 Jan 2024, 04:24 No way that can be fixed without taking it out and having it sent to a shop or replaced outright. I would say you are very close to the pinion or rack getting destroyed and losing control of steering.

It has actually been in this state for at least three years now (a different station failed me for it in 2021 but this station passed it in 2021, 2022, and 2023). It's not our family's primary car and only drive it a few dozen miles each week, so maybe I'm just lucky it hasn't failed yet?

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jan 2024, 07:45

You should be able to see the coupler turning right above the rack with thst motion, if it’s stationary, I agree that’s a nasty worn out rack

Volvo part is nasty expensive, $2000 +

Pro parts Sweden about $650

Check parts geek and Detroit Axle too.

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Jan 2024, 08:03

prwood wrote: ↑28 Jan 2024, 07:35
dikidera wrote: ↑28 Jan 2024, 04:24 No way that can be fixed without taking it out and having it sent to a shop or replaced outright. I would say you are very close to the pinion or rack getting destroyed and losing control of steering.
It has actually been in this state for at least three years now (a different station failed me for it in 2021 but this station passed it in 2021, 2022, and 2023). It's not our family's primary car and only drive it a few dozen miles each week, so maybe I'm just lucky it hasn't failed yet?

MA inspection can be tough, i had to deal with a handbrake fail, ended up installing both cable sides and the front adjuster, new brake shoes and it still didn't hold, installed starwheel adjusters and managed to get it tight enough to pass.

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Jan 2024, 08:29

heres something interesting , the steering shaft from the steering wheel extends down into the rack with a stub shaft and uses an angle or worm drive gear to engage the rack piston/rail. theres a gear lash adjuster cap to release it so the piston/rack can be removed/installed. if the lash adjuster cap is loose you end up with end play in an otherwise good (non leaking) rack.

the lash adjuster is part number HLR00004, it can be swapped in without pulling the whole rack but some stuff has to be moved for access.
it might be available in rack rebuild kits. google it.

it looks like this.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568036 ... 4itemAdapt

see this,

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Jan 2024, 08:39

abscate wrote: ↑28 Jan 2024, 07:45 You should be able to see the coupler turning right above the rack with thst motion, if it’s stationary, I agree that’s a nasty worn out rack

Volvo part is nasty expensive, $2000 +

Pro parts Sweden about $650

Check parts geek and Detroit Axle too.

Erie volvo usually has good used racks for under $200, that price was in 2022.