1999 Volvo V70na Steering rack woes...

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 14 Jun 2016, 19:11

It was kinda on my list of things to take care of, but I didn't get to it. Now my hand has been forced--I failed State inspection for the leaky steering rack (and non-adjusted e-brake).

I have the plate with the "5" at the end, so I'm assuming that I do indeed have the SMI rack. (M12PEV65)

What choices do I have for a rebuild? I see FCP, who is my usual go-to, is stocking Cardone remans, and I have yet to stumble upon a Volvo rack anywhere.

Suggestions?

I've looked at a couple of DIY's--it looks awful, but doable I suppose.

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 14 Jun 2016, 19:29

Oh, I found some positive reviews of Jurgen Automotive--aka JAC Racks, an independent rebuilder, but no pricing information:

http://www.jorgenauto.com/rack-pinion/volvo.html

Also, is there any reason why you could not switch to the TRW rack, since you can buy rebuild kits for those?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Jun 2016, 20:25

I have had amazing luck using automatic transmission stop leak on a leaky rack. In your case the car uses power steering fluid rather than ATF but I think Lucas and some others makes a similar product that is compatible with power steering fluid. Changing the rack is a huge job and I would exhaust all options before I did it.

My understanding on the racks is that they need to be changed like for like and there is more to it than just swapping one brand for another. Whatever the car currently has is what should go back in.

...Lee

Post by **sleddriver** » 14 Jun 2016, 22:59

ATP AT-205 stopped my badly leaking rack. I was a skeptic, but it worked.

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 15 Jun 2016, 04:54

Thanks, I may give that a shot. I realized as I was reading threads that I have been using power steering fluid, and not the ATF that Volvo recommends for a 1999, so I may have inadvertently created part of my own problem. I will try flushing, cleaning filling with ATF and the stop leak to see what I get.

Lee, from the online manual it does look like my 1999 still uses ATF:

"Power steering fluid Quality: ATF Capacity: 0.95 US qts. (0.9 liters) "

And yeah, it really did look like a big job--worst for me is that I have to work on a gravel driveway, so I have trouble with the jack stands digging in, and don't really have a good automotive jack yet...

Thanks guys--the scattered threads that I read on other car forums did make me think that the JAC guys would be good for rebuilds if it comes to that...

johno504 · Post by **johno504** » 15 Jun 2016, 07:37

rack failed @ 110 k on my S70. tried every miracle can made to stop leak, nothing worked. replace with reman unit from NAPA. I was the store manager , so price was right for me. the point being, my mechanic of 25 years refused to do the job " TOO HARD ".had a customer that was a mechanic for a taxi fleet, he did install in 3 hours flat !!!

Post by **scot850** » 15 Jun 2016, 11:36

I know with AWD you have to drop the engine/front subframe to remove the rack. Typically you support the engine, remove the engine mountings and remove the rear subframe bolts and loosen the front ones by about 1". It requires an alignment afterwards.

Neil.

Post by **sleddriver** » 15 Jun 2016, 14:49

To Paredown:

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/
He has an interesting take on ATF vs. Hydraulic fluid. AT-205 will work with either.

Post by **cuhfs** » 15 Jun 2016, 15:12

Messy job under the car and on your back the whole time. I Did it once and swore never again. If you do it in a garage it wont be as bad as my job on a rock driveway. Still not an "enjoyable" job.

Post by **rguzz** » 15 Jun 2016, 16:49

Usually leaks from one side more so than the other. If significant leak will need replacing. Jorgen Automotive sent me a rebuilt, on the car 6 mos, dry and feels nice and tight. Around 230$ if memory serves me for 96 850. Leaking rack made a humungous mess under the car, constantly topping off PS fluid. They list one for 99 V70 FWD. Call them.