Good condition 96 GLT with 115K mi - Just told by Volvo dealer that I need a new steering rack at a cost of $1400. Given the age and condition, do you 850 gurus think this is a good investment? I did intend to drive this car at least another few years at about 10-12K mi per year. Thanks, in advance, for the advice.

 

Depends on the overall condition of the car, and (for me) how well it has been maintained over the years. An option that might be cheaper is to try to find a used rack at a salvage yard.

Glenn

 

The dealer seems they're trying to rip you off.

Look at the cost of the parts:

FCP Groton: $250 (plus core & shipping)
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850suspension.htm

eEuroparts: $289.90 (plus core& shipping)
http://www.eeuroparts.com/searchresu...7&cat=1032

I'm not sure how long it takes to replace the unit, Moderator Tech could give you the best idea but let's say the dealer charges $100/hr for labour,I do not believeit would take them 10 hours. If you can do the job by yourself (requires at least a hydraulic jack & a pair of robust jackstands) you only pay a bit less than $300 for the repair.


JPN

 

It is kind of a pain. You have to support the engine and drop the subframe.
I believe we get about 8 hours maybe a little less.

 

I see Tech, I thought this was something you could do in less than 3 hours but if it takes 8 hours for you then the dealer wasn't trying to rip off.


JPN

 

If I really really hurry maybe 4 hours. But that is also if everything goes easy.

 

Thanks for the comments. I may have amechanic who can do the job if I supply the parts. I read in an earlier thread that rack prices are pretty reasonable. What other parts do i need to have the job done privately?

 

If you can find an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/Euro makes and if they are willing to accept parts from customers, that may be the best thing to do.

If you want to know what are needed forthe job:

- Tie-rod ends (may come with the rebuilt unit).
- Dexron-III/Mercon for topping up the PWS pump reservoir.
- Service manual (Haynes, or I can give you some pages from the factory version)
- Metric wrenches/sockets + a torque wrench.
- Etc...

I hope I answered your questions. If not, please ask again.


JPN

 

I did mine this past weekend. It took me about 6.5 hours, but it's very messy and not any fun. If you were lucky enough to have an SMI rack, you can rebuild for about $40. Mine was a TRW and I couldn't find a rebuild kit for them, so I sucked it up and bought a rebuilt unit. - AB