I have a '88 240 in need of the inner left tie rod. I have to find out wich type, ZF or CAM. I was told by the dealership that it would have it labeled in the steering rack, when I looked it has a serial no. followed by the letters LH. There wasnt any other info on the steering rack itself. How else can I find out the type of rack my 240 has? Any help appreciated!

is on the opening for the trunk lid, right side corner. Use a flashlight, maybe. It will have a number of lines and columns with codes for names brands of components.

The line for steering gear will have a 2 or a 3. 2 = CAM, 3 = ZF.

Of course, that's the equipment from the factory. A PO may have changed things.

Also, look at the boots on the tie rods. On a CAM, the boot hole for the tie rod is just large enough for the rod. On a ZF, the boot closes onto a disc mounted on the tie rod.

After any front suspension work it is recommended to have a front wheel alignment. Therefore you should check for other parts needing replacement, such as tie rod ends, both tie rods, and ball joints.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

99% sure it is a CAM. ZFs were fitted to earlier model cars. You can tell by the rack boots. CAMs have a small diameter hole for the shaft. ZFs have a large diameter hole. ZF tierods has a large grommet that fits the boot. Just a note though. The tierod you need should have male threads for mounting to the rack. That is unless it was previously replaced with a different year model. There are 2 or 3 different styles of tierods for CAM racks. Ask me how I know. And if you are going to replace one, go ahead and do both. I was doing one at a time and had a heck of a time getting 2 of the same tierods. Of the 3 three TRW tierods I ordered, none of them where the same exact one as the first one I changed out.