1992 Wagon. 240 Series. Rack is spewing fluid on right turns. Properly diagnosed as corroded high-pressure balance line fitting on the rack. Tech says he can make a fitting and splice it onto the line, no problem, but would have to pull the rack to get to it. For about $225, I can get a rebuilt rack and not worry about other failures, for awhile, at least. However, I see that the racks come in two flavors: With a ZF gear or with a CAM gear. How does one tell which is on the car? I'd like to know now, since I'd have to order the rack in advance, if I'm going to go that route. Thanx!

B

Thanks, all, for the information. I can now make an informed choice, as opposed to choosing via the 'blind squirrel' method.

B

There are 6 types of racks for the 84 240. (2) were widely used and readily available, the other (4) are doh-dohs. Be sure to get the right mounting hardware with your new rack. Atsco part no. 8983 comes with all (6) mounting variations. I have never bought a rebuild from them and can not endorse their products but they look like they know what they are doing based on their website and warranty. Good luck.

Ummmm....OK. But my car's a '92. And what supplied are you referring to, since you forgot to identify it?

B

They are interchangeable the only difference that matters is the mounting hardware and a good supplier will include both.

Cam racks have a rubber boot that rests on the trie rod directly, the ZF rack has a rubber plug on the tie rod that the boot fits over near the outer tie rod .

Jorgen is a well respected supplier.

Dan

Thanks, P, for the concise answer. Is one more desirable than the other, since cost appears to be the same for either?

B

I believe if you research this, you'll find ZF is preferred. Something about a particular aging mode the TRW/CAM racks exhibit resulting in asymmetric assist. No personal experience here, but given a choice, when the time comes, I would opt for the ZF.

Edit: One other reason I might opt for the ZF is I can change a boot without messing with toe-in or counting threads, since they fit over the outer ends. But that has little to do with performance or longevity.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye.

I am not sure, you probably won't be given a choice .
Dan

Actually, Dan, Jorgen gives you a choice. Hence, my question, since I was intrigued.

B