I have a '86 245 and the steering rack has a lot of slop on the drivers side.The tag in the trunk says..it uses a #2........Where is the best place to buy?........Thanks in advance......Bob

I purchased a rebuilt rack from Jorgen (2 years ago) for $139.00 shipping included. Its a rather simply R&R with proper tools. Their rack comes ready to bolt in with instructions on instulation and returning the old rack. They were great to deal with. Gary

Robert,
I've yet to need to replace a rack on a Volvo, so take my words for what they are (experience in general).

Sounds to me as if you need an inner tie rod rather than a rack. Any alignment shop should check it for free if you ask them to.
--
85 740 gl NA manual trans 87 740 gle NA zf trans 88 740 gle turbo wagon AW trans, loaded & fun.

Thanks Freaky1........I didnt know there was an inner tie rod..I'll check it out.............Bob

NP Robert, but to let you know up front, it's not the easiest of tasks even with the proper tools, so you may wish to have it done.

Take it easy, I'm out for another week :)
Frank
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85 740 gl NA manual trans 87 740 gle NA zf trans 88 740 gle turbo wagon AW trans, loaded & fun.

Just wondering how you know when the steering rack needs to be replaced. I'm looking for typical symptoms. Something is wrong w/ my 87's steering, but I'm not sure what.

thanks,
amy

Depends on what you mean by "something's wrong".....daughter came to me the other day with a similar prob. w/ her '87.....steering felt stiff, so i had her check the fluid level...almost empty....she filled it and within a day noticed
it dropping....so she's been looking for the leak....tomorrow, we'll make the
call on wether it's a hose or rebuilt rack time....j.

Interesting....I did have a similar situation a couple of months ago where I heard grinding whenever I turned. I brought it to my mechanic and he said that the power steering fluid was empty and filled it up for me. Didn't mention whether there was a leak or not though, so I haven't thought about it since.

I'll check the fluid container tonight.

The "something wrong" is a sporadic out of control feeling while driving. Kind of feels like the wind is blowing the car all over the road. Even when there is no wind. Also, the steering wheel is constantly moving, even when just driving straight.

Thanks,
Amy

Found the leak on my daughters' '87....the seal where the steering shaft enters the rack....not sure about repair for this item..have to post about it....anyway.....about your situation....sounds dangerous to me...but i don't know much about steering racks....but i'd guess that you could crew one up real fast by running without fluid....that's why i've been staying involved w/my
daughters situation.....may have to post a q about this.....the steering system
like others is meant to be filled and then only checked periodically...a loss
of fluid in any system indicates a problem.....j.

Amy......jack your car up in front on one side grab the wheel and shake it. If you feel looseness then if its like mine its worn on the inboard end of the Steering rack opposite the tie rod end.....My boot was torn and the slack developed in about 15,000miles.....Because I ignored the torn boot.......Should have listend to these guys here on the brickboard....Hope yours is not worn like mine..........Bob

Thanks, I'll try to jack it up tonight and see if I can figure it out. The crazy thing is that sometimes it drives just fine...

Again, thanks for the tip.

amy

try
http://www.jorgenauto.com/rack-pinion/volvo.html
pretty popular with brickboarders, nice prices and they pay for return shipping of core.

Good luck,
Chris
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1987 245DL, only god knows how many miles. Damn that little plastic gear.

shop around - start with the BB places listed under "Shops" - you can find decent prices on good rebuilds

What is a decent price for a good rebuild?

Steve L 3-240's in Charlotte,NC

It's been awhile....well actually I got some last night....oh sorry.....

I would say around $250 would be a good top price point. Last one I bought was 98 or so....$500 is way too much $300 in some cases may be OK. Call about.