My '86 240 DL wagon feels like it has loose steering. Part of this is due to worn steering linkage - as with the front end suspended, I can rock the wheels back and forth a bit and I think this should probably be tight. However, it may be that I also need to tighten up the steering box . . . does a 240DL have a steering box? Is it adjustable? Thnx

 

its a rack and pinion steering, afaik, nonadjustable, if its worn out, its shot, and needs to be replaced, or just put up with it. but, first make sure your ball joints and tie rod ends are in good shape...

the inner tie rod ends can be replaced if they have loosened up. Volvo never offered them as parts, but they are available from TRW and other such. There's two different steering racks that use different inner rod ends, see one of the volvo parts websites like IPDUSA or FCPEuro for the specifics...

 

OK Thanks for that info. Found a garage that works on Volvos who offers to replace the tie rod ends 'coupler' for $125 which seems decent - decenter than me me getting under there in this heat.

 

hopefully they'll check the whole thing, and not just blindly replace the outer and/or inner tie rod ends.

other things that can contribute to front slop are the ball joints, the strut and mount, and the lower control arm bushings. replacing all this at a shop can run into the $1000 range.

 

Yeah . . . I'll gonna mention that I don't know what is creating the steering wheel play. I replaced one ball joint and the other seemed ok. But when I bought the car the right ball joint was way worn out and very rusted - owned by teenagers - so that steering was more like aiming it - this I think wore something out - but at least this is a start. : )