S80 D5 Steering Rack Replacement

[dab90]

I have 2007 S80 D5 I have been told by garage the steering rack needs replacing. Has anyone done this and if so how big a job is it?

Thanks

[Clan]

Originally Posted by dab90

I have 2007 S80 D5 I have been told by garage the steering rack needs replacing. Has anyone done this and if so how big a job is it?

Thanks

you have to support the engine whilst lowering the rear of the subframe about 8 inches to allow the rack to wangle out with a bit of twisting and turning .

[ferg55]

Are you sure the rack needs replacing? Unless it has done intergalactic mileage, I doubt it really does. If you are experiencing heavy steering - especially when stationary and at low revs - then this is a known issue. Quoting master member Kenny in a post recently:
"the power steering fluid reacts with the alloy pipes. This causes swarf to block the filter which in turn kills the pump. The fix is new pipes and pump"

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=275363

I'd ask the garage if they have ruled out the above first.

Hope this helps.

[dab90]

The car done just shy of 185k with full Volvo service history. I have only had car 6 weeks the car steers perfect that I can tell. The car went into main chain garages for brake caliper and they said the rack is knackered and lots play on it.

[ferg55]

185k miles isn't particularly high for an S80, many have done far more miles on the original rack. If there was significant play in the steering, it would be an MOT failure, and the car would likely have advisories for play in the previous years MOT's - if this isn't the case, it may be worth getting a second opinion.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by dab90

The car done just shy of 185k with full Volvo service history. I have only had car 6 weeks the car steers perfect that I can tell. The car went into main chain garages for brake caliper and they said the rack is knackered and lots play on it.

you can get the steering arms coming out of the rack from volvo , where exactly IS the play ? there is also a damper pad adjuster on the back of the rack .

If you get an uneven lack of assistance going around a roundabout it will need a rack ..

[dab90]

Nothing in MOT history that be concern. The garage said play in steering rack arms. I'm more inclined the garage is making up fault as they said when walked into the garage the steering must be all over place which it isn't.

[Bashy]

Originally Posted by Clan

you can get the steering arms coming out of the rack from volvo , where exactly IS the play ? there is also a damper pad adjuster on the back of the rack .

If you get an uneven lack of assistance going around a roundabout it will need a rack ..

Do you mean, where it feels like its slightly jerking the wheel, like the steering is light then feels a little stiffer, then light, then.......?