fitting steering rack for volvo 244

[re_ilan]

hi guys
I'm having problems with my Volvo 244, 2.3 liter, model 1983 steering rack.
I was said that I need to replace or renovate it.
I can get an nos steering rack from a friend . but it's written on it that is suitable for the years 1974-1978.
Will this steering rack fit my volvo?
And if not - which steering rack is better the ZF or CAM? and How can I know which is which?
Thans for any help!

[loki_the_glt]

Theoretically any rack will fit your 240, though a like-for-like replacement would be better as there will be less likelihood of incompatibility between the rack and the column.

If you're replacing a PAS rack with a manual one, or vice-versa, you'll need to replace the bottom ball-joints as well, because the steering geometry of the two styles of rack is different.

[Clifford Pope]

Check first that it really is the rack itself that is worn, not just an inner ball joint under a rubber boot, or a universal joint in the column linkage.

[re_ilan]

Thanks guys.
Does anyone know if 74-78 RACK will fit 1983 244?

[Clifford Pope]

As loki says, theoretically it will fit, but you will have to change the lower ball joints to the straight kind for a manual rack. Also I have a feeling, not sure, that the track rods are different where they attach to the rack.

Are you sure you want to give up PAS and go to manual steering?

Are you sure it is the rack at fault?

[re_ilan]

thank. got it.
my rack is ZF.
i bougth today used CAM that looks good.
would it fit one to one ,( like the pipes and everything else)?

[penninepullman]

Have you fitted the rack yet?

I think you will find that the shaft (with splines) that joins the rack to steering column is of much smaller diameter on 1974-78 cars than 1979 on cars.

To fit the 1974-78 rack you would probably need the steering column from same age car, and possibly the steering wheel. (The steering column was significantly changed from 1979 to improve the way it collapses in an accident).

(My experience with steering racks is with a 1977 265 and a 1982 244; both right hand drive and with power steering.)

[AlexO]

As someone who went through this saga a few months back I can recommend trying to find a used PAS rack from a low mileage car instead of going to manual steering. It's a lot of faff and doesn't really gain you anything, no matter how frustrating PAS problems can be.

If you contact any classic Volvo breakers they should be able to give you a very competitive quote for a low milage PAS rack; I think mine cost me £65 which included removal from the donor car, packing and courier to my door from a sub-100K car.

Hope that's helpful

Alex