I am replacing the steering rack, inner and outer tie rods.

Parts are from FCP. The rack came with two white split plastic rings, with little teeth facing the inside, about 1.5 in outer diameter. I'VE ATTACHED A PIC of one of the rings. They look like some kind of spacer - where do they go?

Thanks in advance.
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'97 850 n/a Wagon, 180K mi ... '98 V70R AWD 120K mi

Have a look Here at number 14. It appears to be the same part. Here's its purpose:

Spacers must be installed at each end of the steering gear if the car is equipped with 16" or 17" wheels, and with tires of 205 mm or more in width, see below, to avoid contact between the tires and body at full wheel lock.
The spacers also serve to reduce the force exerted on the control arm by the wheel lock limiter on the steering knuckle, reducing the level of noise which may occur at full lock. The spacers comprise part of a kit P/N 271800-5.



It increases your turning radius ~1-2' depending on your wheels but you won't have your tires rubbing against the fender. Check the only rack to make sure it is the same part (if you had it equipped in the first place..) or if it even fits.
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?

Hmmm, thanks for finding this - interesting.

So this spacer would somehow limit how far the gear can be extended out of the housing, or limit the motion of the inner tie rod? Can't really picture how this would work (having studied the drawings), but will look at it in person once I get home.

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'97 850 n/a Wagon, 180K mi ... '98 V70R AWD 120K mi

It looks like it keeps the tie rod from fully retracting into the gear housing. It doesn't look like it changes things a huge amount, but enough that the wheel won't touch the body.
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?

I asked the folks at IPD and was told it is to be used as a star washer when screwing the inner tie rod onto the rack. Will try that. Does this make sense to anyone out there?
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'97 850 n/a Wagon, 180K mi ... '98 V70R AWD 120K mi