'98 V70 May Need a Steering Rack

Post by **E Showell** » 15 Apr 2015, 11:06

So, my mechanic says I need a new steering rack. There's a bit of a dead spot/hard turning condition at one portion of the rack's travel. Mechanic thinks it may be a bent rack from a winter pothole. FCP has a rebuilt rack with a very negative review for about $350. Volvocountryparts.com has a Volvo rack (new) for nearly 3x that. My former mechanic (retired Volvo factory-trained tech) says avoid rebuilt racks. Discuss.

I note that A1 Cardone rebuilt racks go for less than $200. Has anyone ever used one?

Post by **850 LPT** » 15 Apr 2015, 11:38

I don't think rebuilt racks are generally a bad idea, and you have to take reviews with a grain of salt anyway imho.

My 850 had a rebuilt rack installed many years ago and has well over 100k on it now. It's still working fine and it is not leaking.
I'm looking into this myself because my XC has a rack that has a slow leak. I'm just watching that for now but eventually I have to bite the bullet.
I found this manufacturer of steering racks that sells rebuilt ones as well as new ones. This is a link to the new one:
http://www.aaesteering.com/steering-rac ... -rack.html

Eeuroparts sells the rebuilt version of it with a one year warranty for a good price:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/7016/St ... -5003968X/

This seems to be a reputable manufacturer, they were even selected by Rolls Royce as a OEM supplier, so I think I myself would give it a try.

Post by **kranz** » 15 Apr 2015, 15:07

In 2006 I was faced with replacing a very leaky steering rack on a 1989 Saab 900. I purchased a rebuilt rack from eEuroparts. I can't tell you who did the rebuild, but it showed no signs of leaking over 5 years later when I sold the car. YMMV