Play in steering rack

petrohl34d · Jan 30th, 2018, 20:44

Replaced the tie rods on my steering rack, but still getting a bit of play from it.

What are my options as regards repairing this?

Do I need to replace the rack? Is it worth getting it refurbished?

Car is 1999 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi FWD

Baffler · Jan 30th, 2018, 22:16

When was the fluid last renewed? Might be an idea to remove the current fluid, whether it's fresh or not, and get some Lucas Stop Leak in there to soften the seals. Does wonders for the sake of a tenner!

petrohl34d · Jan 31st, 2018, 11:36

Not been changed since I've owned it anyway (1 year)

Worth a try I guess.

Luxobarge · Jan 31st, 2018, 12:39

Sure, changing the fluid isn't going to do any harm, but I'd be surprised if it had anything to do with play in the steering.
Where exactly is the play? In the steering arms (you say you've replaced them) or in the track-rod end ball joints? Or are you just saying that the steering wheel moves a little without moving the rack? If the latter, then might be a re-con rack needed (I assume the rack isn't adjustable?)

petrohl34d · Jan 31st, 2018, 15:06

Car has new track rod ends and tie rods, so basically had it up on a lift yesterday and got someone to jiggle the alloy wheel from side to side.

It was evident that the play was coming from within the rack.

Steve440 · Feb 1st, 2018, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baffler

When was the fluid last renewed? Might be an idea to remove the current fluid, whether it's fresh or not, and get some Lucas Stop Leak in there to soften the seals. Does wonders for the sake of a tenner!

Second that done wonders for mine, firmed up the steering a treat. Due a change soon I would think it's been in there 10 years now.

byootox · Feb 2nd, 2018, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve440

Second that done wonders for mine, firmed up the steering a treat. Due a change soon I would think it's been in there 10 years now.

Eh !! I cannot for the life of me see how changing the fluid will eliminate excess play in the rack.
There will be wear between the pinion gear and the rack.
Needs another rack.

Steve440 · Feb 2nd, 2018, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by byootox

Eh !! I cannot for the life of me see how changing the fluid will eliminate excess play in the rack.
There will be wear between the pinion gear and the rack.
Needs another rack.

Stick another rack in it then!!?

DunkinBiskits · Feb 3rd, 2018, 14:55

on yours you may have the adjustable wedge beneath where the pinion gear enters the casting to let you tighten up the slack. Seen it on some C70s of that age, may well be on yours too. Not all racks have these, depends on which version you have.

brickman · Feb 3rd, 2018, 19:21

This, some have an adjustable pad that pushs the rack up against the pinion, it's called gear lash. If play is evident at all steering angles then your likely to succeed with an adjustment. If it's only when wheel in thr straight ahead position and ok everywhere else then iy might help for a bit, but ultimately you'll need a rack

Jan 30th, 2018, 20:44	#1
petrohl34d Senior Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2023 20:21 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Enniskillen	Play in steering rack Replaced the tie rods on my steering rack, but still getting a bit of play from it. What are my options as regards repairing this? Do I need to replace the rack? Is it worth getting it refurbished? Car is 1999 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi FWD __________________ 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 326,000 miles 1999 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 250,000 miles 2005 Volvo XC70 2.4 D5 - Current daily Last edited by petrohl34d; Jan 30th, 2018 at 22:01.

Jan 30th, 2018, 22:16	#2
Baffler Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 19:44 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Co. Limerick, Ireland	When was the fluid last renewed? Might be an idea to remove the current fluid, whether it's fresh or not, and get some Lucas Stop Leak in there to soften the seals. Does wonders for the sake of a tenner! __________________ Liam... '96 854 TDI SE, '99 V70 2.5D S, '05 C70 2.0T Collection, '05 S80 2.0T SE, '15 V70 D4 SE Lux Nav.

Jan 31st, 2018, 11:36	#3
petrohl34d Senior Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2023 20:21 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Enniskillen	Not been changed since I've owned it anyway (1 year) Worth a try I guess. __________________ 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 326,000 miles 1999 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 250,000 miles 2005 Volvo XC70 2.4 D5 - Current daily

Jan 31st, 2018, 12:39	#4
Luxobarge Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:59 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Horne (Nr. Horley)	Sure, changing the fluid isn't going to do any harm, but I'd be surprised if it had anything to do with play in the steering. Where exactly is the play? In the steering arms (you say you've replaced them) or in the track-rod end ball joints? Or are you just saying that the steering wheel moves a little without moving the rack? If the latter, then might be a re-con rack needed (I assume the rack isn't adjustable?) __________________ Some people are like Slinkies, they serve no useful purpose but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them downstairs.

Jan 31st, 2018, 15:06	#5
petrohl34d Senior Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2023 20:21 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Enniskillen	Car has new track rod ends and tie rods, so basically had it up on a lift yesterday and got someone to jiggle the alloy wheel from side to side. It was evident that the play was coming from within the rack. __________________ 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 326,000 miles 1999 Volvo V70 2.5 TDi - Dead @ 250,000 miles 2005 Volvo XC70 2.4 D5 - Current daily

Feb 3rd, 2018, 14:55	#9
DunkinBiskits Master Member Last Online: Jan 1st, 2024 13:30 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Merseyside	on yours you may have the adjustable wedge beneath where the pinion gear enters the casting to let you tighten up the slack. Seen it on some C70s of that age, may well be on yours too. Not all racks have these, depends on which version you have. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/VolvoComposites/ Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall Torque is how far you take the wall with you

Feb 3rd, 2018, 19:21	#10
brickman Premier Member Last Online: Nov 14th, 2023 10:40 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Glasgow	This, some have an adjustable pad that pushs the rack up against the pinion, it's called gear lash. If play is evident at all steering angles then your likely to succeed with an adjustment. If it's only when wheel in thr straight ahead position and ok everywhere else then iy might help for a bit, but ultimately you'll need a rack __________________

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