MOT advisory steering rack query

ALBERT10 · Feb 19th, 2019, 01:59

S60 diesel 2004 130k mot advisory ‘Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))’

Send a S60 above for sale but has an mot advisory for the above. Any ideas what this is likely to be and cost to rectify? Never seen an s60 with this advisory before. 130k isn’t that high for one of these.

Could it be something cheap and easy like a track rod end, unlikely need a whole new costly steering rack replacement?

I know mot adivsories are just a symptom rather than a diagnosis of the cause of the fault.

Would this put you off buying it?

Longhouse21 · Feb 19th, 2019, 08:33

Think it's more likely to be a joint down the column or in the rack itself. Anything like play at a ball joint that would be noticeable at the wheel would, or should , be found at the joint itself during the MOT.
There is an allowable limit of 13mm for rack & pinion and up to 48mm if there are several joints along the way (with 75mm for steering box or similar arrangements)
https://www.mot-testing.service.gov....ml#section_2.2
Best to check for play yourself and make a decision based on what you find. If it was the rack, it would likely put me off as there are other cars out there.

ALBERT10 · Feb 19th, 2019, 08:54

So if it was a joint is the only way to repair it to replace the whole steering rack? One of these online mechanic websites quoted 977 pound to replace a steering rack on a s60.

Unusual fault at 130k on one of these? Can’t recall ever hearing a Volvo needing a new steering rack at 130k.

oragex · Feb 19th, 2019, 14:00

At 130k miles it depends if the owner has spent some money for repairs or not - things need replaced at this point. If manual, the clutch may also go (expensive)

As mentioned, that play is likely a worn joint, I would guess a worn inner or outer tie rod. But it can also be a worn rack pinion which means a new steering rack, quite expensive job. May ask the seller to shake the steering with the engine on, put a hand on the tie rods and feel for play to them.

Also look for wet tie rod gaiters, that also means a new rack.

Feb 19th, 2019, 01:59	#1
ALBERT10 Senior Member Last Online: Apr 11th, 2024 02:19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UK	MOT advisory steering rack query S60 diesel 2004 130k mot advisory ‘Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))’ Send a S60 above for sale but has an mot advisory for the above. Any ideas what this is likely to be and cost to rectify? Never seen an s60 with this advisory before. 130k isn’t that high for one of these. Could it be something cheap and easy like a track rod end, unlikely need a whole new costly steering rack replacement? I know mot adivsories are just a symptom rather than a diagnosis of the cause of the fault. Would this put you off buying it?

Feb 19th, 2019, 08:33	#2
Longhouse21 Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:53 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Warrington	Think it's more likely to be a joint down the column or in the rack itself. Anything like play at a ball joint that would be noticeable at the wheel would, or should , be found at the joint itself during the MOT. There is an allowable limit of 13mm for rack & pinion and up to 48mm if there are several joints along the way (with 75mm for steering box or similar arrangements) https://www.mot-testing.service.gov....ml#section_2.2 Best to check for play yourself and make a decision based on what you find. If it was the rack, it would likely put me off as there are other cars out there. __________________ Current cars: 2003 V70 D5 SE (MY2004); 2012 CRV 2.0i V-TEC; Gone but not forgotten: 2001 Honda HRV; 1989 VW Polo C Mk2; 2000 Honda Civic VTi Aerodeck ; Cavalier SRi; Cavalier LX; 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk3; 1963 Triumph Herald.

Feb 19th, 2019, 14:00	#4
oragex Premier Member Last Online: Jul 26th, 2021 21:24 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Coldnada	At 130k miles it depends if the owner has spent some money for repairs or not - things need replaced at this point. If manual, the clutch may also go (expensive) As mentioned, that play is likely a worn joint, I would guess a worn inner or outer tie rod. But it can also be a worn rack pinion which means a new steering rack, quite expensive job. May ask the seller to shake the steering with the engine on, put a hand on the tie rods and feel for play to them. Also look for wet tie rod gaiters, that also means a new rack. __________________ Several Volvo Repair Videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...ECTts0FSVSOT_c

Feb 19th, 2019, 08:54	#3
ALBERT10 Senior Member Last Online: Apr 11th, 2024 02:19 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UK	So if it was a joint is the only way to repair it to replace the whole steering rack? One of these online mechanic websites quoted 977 pound to replace a steering rack on a s60. Unusual fault at 130k on one of these? Can’t recall ever hearing a Volvo needing a new steering rack at 130k.

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