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So I attempted to have my 170K 940 wagon aligned and the shop reported (accurately) that hey could not break the tie rods loose. What they did not get right was the rack type but luckily I was skeptical and decide to do all but the alignment myself.
Multiple learning opportunities for me on this:
Do the research on your data plate and under the car (in my case, the label was clear after one finger swipe of the grit on the rack)
Do not let the local Volvo Dealer "decode" your VIN (common practice for smaller shops) for the type of rack you have...the VIN does NOT tell you the rack especially on the 3-4 years the 940 had the Koyo rack as an option.
I broke my vice trying to break the tie rod ends free...granted it was only a 4" vice but seriously!
If you have find a place that will take your Koyo core in exchange for the more common CAM/TRW or ZF rack seriously do the math on swapping...here is the conundrum:
Rebuilt Koyo rack from Jorgen is only $20 more that two inner tie-rods for a Koyo at $156 (plus the $36 round trip shipping, $150 core). Outer tie rod ends are about $50 each shipped and you have to search for someone that stocks them. This is all assuming you are requiring OEM quality...the aftermarket for the Koyo stuff screams URO quality and there is not much of it.
Assuming a CAM/TRW rack is the same price, you can buy the mounting hardware, outer ends and the one hose that does not match up for about the same money. Also, everything is likely in stock, the aftermarket supplies OES parts at about a 1/3 of the Koyo prices if you have to do it again.
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