Need a rebuild TRW rack for 97-850

[xHeart]

These are steering fluid lines at the steering gear.
By proximity and function, it only take the open wrench 16mm and 18mm, but difficult to grab from below even with the subframe lowered. Without taking it off first accessing u-joint appears harder.

Rust tight, any note of precaution, and suggestion for a better placement of wrench. I have it soaked overnight with PB blaster.

ps fluid lines...

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[xHeart]

Rebuild Volvo - TRW rack arrived from J.A.C.

TRW steering gear

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[anjill182]

Try Lucas power steering stop leak. I've had success on 3 cars. Suck out the old dirty fluid first.

[xHeart]

After adjusting the front a little, all five steering gear bolts are cleared of subframe.

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[xHeart]

After few days of struggle, I discovered crowfoot flarenut. Worked perfectly for taking off the two fluid lines at the steering gear with 3/8" extension and wrench.

I was surprised that the nuts were 3/4" and 5/8", and NOT 16mm and 18mm.
Added both SAE and Metric sets to my toolbox.

crowfoot flarenut

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[xHeart]

A supplement exploring Pitman puller /viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54914

I am now reworking my steps after reviewing following diagram, it shows steering shaft, u-joint and steering column's lower part #10 via rubber boot #30 and a collar #29.

helpful part diagram shows

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[xHeart]

The photo below shows a inside the cabin end of u-joint connected to lower steering column. The pinch bolt at the u-joint prevents the steering shaft to come loose even if it was hit from the steering shaft end.

a cabin view of u-joint at the lower steering column

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It would make sense to remove this pinch bolts (see diagram #32). This would free the u-joint from the lower steering column, and then slide out complete (see diagram for #31) together with steering rack.

This method would eliminate all reasons for it getting damaged in the process. Any unknown?

[xHeart]

A view at the engine.

u-joint connecting steering rack

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[xHeart]

Photos of my progress.
The upper of the u-joint which connects to lower part of the steering column is free. It can now slide out with steering rack.

carpet removed, a closer look before disassembled...

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a look before freeing u-joint...

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rubber boot folds up, bearing released itself...

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[xHeart]

I must say, rack removal is a test of man's patience.
After back and forth for 3 hours, the steering shaft took 60 some degrees of rotation to clear the rack through the obstacles.
The absence of the two fluid lines would have made it bit more easier. It was after removing the clamp that keeps the line together near radiator, few inches above the bracket to the subframe, that the fluid line allowed the rack to come out the passenger side. All clamps keeping the fluid lines together were removed completely. This is a LHD car.

The oxygen sensor looks bruised. Who knows what else, I will check.