98 V70 Tie Rods - Replacement

Post by **98v70dad** » 28 Apr 2016, 14:13

I need to replace the inner and outer tie rods on my 98 V70 and could use some advice about what parts I need to buy. I understand that it depends on what steering rack you have but I don't know how to tell the difference.

Also, my car has about 150K miles and I may do the ball joints at the same time...any thoughts? I've already done the struts (every part) from top to bottom.

Post by **precopster** » 28 Apr 2016, 14:53

Something about one of the digits in VIN being a 5 for SMI rack and 4 for TRW rack.

FCP Euro have listings for both SMI & TRW racks.
Matty Moo seems to clear up which one the guy has in this thread: http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/13 ... 8-s70-t5m/

Post by **kahl** » 28 Apr 2016, 17:44

Hope this helps. Data plate right side in engine bay inner fender. My poor notes show the left side of the plate.

Post by **kahl** » 28 Apr 2016, 17:45

Sorry, notes show right side of data plate.duh

Post by **98v70dad** » 28 Apr 2016, 18:22

kahl wrote:Sorry, notes show right side of data plate.duh

Thanks KAHL. Its probably helpful to me but I don't understand how that deciphers anything. Maybe it will be obvious when I look at the data plate.

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Apr 2016, 20:02

Totally worth it to just take a look at the boots, the TRW racks say "TRW" on the rubber boot, if you see that then you have solved it for your car. The TRW racks are much more common, too.

The TRW inner and outer tie rods have been foolproof for me as replacements (have only had TRW racks so far).

Post by **kahl** » 28 Apr 2016, 20:47

The last number on the right side of the data plate at the bottom will be a 4 or a 5. That will tell you what rack you have.

Post by **98v70dad** » 29 Apr 2016, 05:01

So is precopster correct that its a 5 for SMI rack and 4 for TRW rack? He didn't sound too sure of it in his response.

Post by **kahl** » 29 Apr 2016, 05:45

SMI Is 5 and TRW is 4.

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Jun 2016, 08:39

kahl wrote:SMI Is 5 and TRW is 4.

I'm still a little confused. The plate in the photo you posted shows the letter "A" in the position you say should show a 4 or 5 (bottom entry, right side of plate, rightmost digit). My car has a 5 in that position (I think ... hard to read) which is SMI according to the info you've posted. The dealer told me SMI also, but he didn't check the plate or the VIN.

I'm stopping by the worldpac place on my ride home to see what they stock. I want lemforder inner and outer tie rods and lemforder boot kits, but I'll see what they have.