i need a new rack and pinion on my 02 s-60. the supplier say "variable assist" included on the rebuilt offering. . .

what does that mean ?

and if i have it or not, does it make a difference if i install a reconditioned rack that has it vrs mine that may or may not have it?

was "variable assist " some sort of option ?
what did it do ?

i can't find any information.

please help ? ? ?

davidh

2015 S80 AWD still new (a merge monster)
2002 S60 205000 miles
2003 S60

 

Having just replaced my steering rack I can tell you that there is most certainly a difference. I would call the dealer and ask for a part number for the rack based off of your VIN. I thought mine was variable assist based off of the O2 harness that was hooked to it. I was wrong. I ordered the wrong rack based on only my model and year of car. Once it was in house I wanted to use the variable assist rack but doing so would have required replacing all of my power steering lines and doing some wiring I wasn't prepared to do. My lines are held in with a clamp that is held by a single bolt. The variable rack used a connector for both lines individually. They could not be reused. The issue of the wiring needed to connect up the variable speed rack that a non-variable rack won't have was more than I wanted to deal with. In short, make sure you get a part number from volvo and compare that number with whatever rack you decide to buy. Some folks buy aftermarket and don't have a problem. Me, since I was going to have to drop the subframe and I hate doing work twice, I opted for the Volvo part to the tune of 1600.00. I could have bought a cardone rack for under 500.00 but the reviews from the aftermarket rebuilds have been less than stellar. I figure I got 165K out of the original rack I should be able to get at least 100K out of the replacement