Chuck--

Not about interchangeability--I don't know either way--but they're not the same in driving feel.

I've had a 1980 245 for many years that I've put over 300k on. I've always thought the honest and direct steering response was one of its best qualities. It has a ZF rack (the ENTIRE power steering setup, BTW, is ORIGINAL at 424k miles!)

Then I got a 1992 245. It has a CAM rack. I immediately noticed that the steering feel was not as precise. Still better than your average Bulgemobile, but if the rack on this car failed I would try to swap to a ZF.

I realize that tires could make some difference. But my impression of the steering accuracy and feedback on the 1980 has been true whatever tires were on it. And as for the 1992, its inferior steering has been true with two sets of tires and with struts, ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings either solid or replaced.

An indy Volvo shop owner told me a while back that the older models (probably the years that used the York AC compressor, the pump looks different on those) also have a higher pressure pump and that changes the steering response.

If anyone has successfully swapped out a CAM rack for a ZF on a later model 240, please post your experience with it.

Doug Harvey