Steering rack identification

[Bashy]

Hi folks, in Vida, there are 2, one speed related, tother standard.

How does one identify whitch please? not to mention all the part numbers cause i assume the main part number is just the exchange part number and i would need one of the numbers underneath those headings? See images....

TIA

[oragex]

Look at the top of the rack box for a small sensor with a wire to it

[VOLVOBOY]

Hi.
Steering rack replacement is a nightmare not only because there is quite a lot of work involved but in making sure the replacement rack is the right one.
Volvo used two makes SMI (early) and ZF (later).
SMI usually have threaded pipe unions and the later ZF are push-in which are held by retaining plate. BUT there are also hybrids .
Volvo replacement racks will be ZF type so what that USUALLY means is....
1. If you have ZF standard or speed sensitive it will be a straight swap . No other parts required.
2. If you have early SMI the replacement will be ZF and will require new pipes and Column lower U/J.
3. If you have a hybrid you could have a problem.
Trying to identify the correct part from the VIN No is next to useless. A real good look at what you have fitted is the only way.

[Bashy]

Originally Posted by oragex

Look at the top of the rack box for a small sensor with a wire to it

Thanks, i will see if i can see anything

Originally Posted by VOLVOBOY

Hi.
Steering rack replacement is a nightmare not only because there is quite a lot of work involved but in making sure the replacement rack is the right one.
Volvo used two makes SMI (early) and ZF (later).
SMI usually have threaded pipe unions and the later ZF are push-in which are held by retaining plate. BUT there are also hybrids .
Volvo replacement racks will be ZF type so what that USUALLY means is....
1. If you have ZF standard or speed sensitive it will be a straight swap . No other parts required.
2. If you have early SMI the replacement will be ZF and will require new pipes and Column lower U/J.
3. If you have a hybrid you could have a problem.
Trying to identify the correct part from the VIN No is next to useless. A real good look at what you have fitted is the only way.

Thanks, i will have a good look (hopefully) and take photos
The guy at the garage only thought a couple of hours for the swap over as per there work times software said, well, it was about 45mins removal and 45 mins fitting, is it possible that the knock could be from the lower shaft?

[oragex]

Good info above, as one thing to make sure is to use the right tie rods for your rack - these look similar but at least the outer ones are different length

[Bashy]

Thanks, ive just seen this in my vehicle information, see image please
If thats correct, it looks like i have the standard rack, that should be a couple of quid cheaper if nothing else.....

As my car was built week 43 of 2006, aka MY2007, does that help any in determining SMI or ZF, i will take photos when i get chance to have a look though..

[oragex]

The easiest way to be sure is to look at the top of the rack, may turn the wheel to full lock at look behind it at the rack with a flash light, for a connector with wire at the top and in front of the rack back. It's easy to see. For the model, this is what Volvo is listing as genuine for 2005-up without speed sensitive Bosch 36050360 https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...60#description
May look at these options here https://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/S60/Steering-Rack/

[YorkshireDave]

My car's been looked after privately by a mechanic who does it in his 'spare' time. I trust him implicitly so we've used him for 20 years. He learned early on that I know enough, as Dad was a mechanic, that it wasn't worth BSing me.

VOLVOBOY's advice is perfectly on point. Mine was done recently and the VIN proved bl00dy useless in identifying which was fitted. In the end we 'plumped' for one which measured up in terms of connections but seemed a literal smidge longer. Anyway it went in. Keeping the old tie rods was a nightmare as it turned out there wasn't enough adjustment to set the steering up properly. In the end, I worked out that it was possible to machine some 10mm more thread onto each of them so I had a pal of mine machine them then I put the additional thread on them (13mm coarse if anyone's interested) and a £40 die used twice (open to hire it out!)

Once done however, which meant even more work, it worked perfectly with the steering becoming amazingly precise again. My God tho what an absolute b4ll ache.

[MisterGee19]

Following...
I’ve heard “lion automotive” seem pretty good and competitive for replacement racks. £175 plus a £100 replacement surcharge.

I thought any car roughly after the facelift in 2004 would have a ZF rack?. And speed sensitive steering option was included with four-c suspension only?

Wonder how much would a good indi charge for the rack change? Mine is heavy and pulsing, but it got thru an MOT so I’ll live for another year or until it breaks completely

[YorkshireDave]

Mine was noisy for years & then suddenly lost all fluid. My advice is do it before it fails completely.