There was some discussion about whether it's better to replace the tie rod or the whole rack. (http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=815696&show_all=1)
Anyone else have a suggestion about which is easier/better? Car is 1983 244 DL -- not sure which rack is on this car, but there is some play where the tie rod joins the steering gear. Was about to replace a worn boot, but I see I'm going to have to go further, question is, how much further? Neither the Haynes nor Bentley cover this, and I didn't find any very specific information searching here. Thanks for any tips!

hi there. in my opinion and experience, and wallet size, i replace the tie rods which is what i have done a couple of times. but if it needs a rack then i would put one in. would one change a transmission if the tailshaft bushing is bad? my 1 cent. good luck

There are very rare occasions where the tie rod prematurely wears due to a riped or torn boot, but the rack is usualy ready for replacement if the tie rods are gone. This is why there's little reference to it, because Volvo and the experts consider them to be one part, not three, meaning a rack & two ends. The effort taken to do the tie rods, especially for the later one's where there's not any flat or nut for a wrench on the inner tie rod ends, is not wotth the price or effort compared to a re-manufactured rack that has the ends installed at the factory. After doing a bunch of tie rods over the years I concur with the experts. I can drop a new rack in in about 2 hrs, for about $200, and won't ever do another tie rod again for these cars. Same goes for, for the 740, which is the same story.
--
'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon