760GLT (238k miles) failed state's safety inspection. Tech noticed wet driver side bellow (I was aware of the sight leak and have been monitoring it). Shop offered to replace a "seal" at a cost about $280. Declined the offer and put car on stands when I got it home. Noticed a wiggle when twisting the tire by grasping it at 3 and 9 o'clock positions. It seems the source of movement is under the driver's side bellow.

I had the entire rack and pinion replaced at 173k miles with an aftermarket. Label in engine bay says (a 3 in lower right corner of label) original rack is a ZF, but the replacement is likely a CAM/TRW design judging from the small size of bellow end where the inner tie rod passes through. Bellow identified as a TRW part. My repair invoice of the past replacement suggests that the manufacturer was Cardone.

I'd rather replace the inner tie rod if that would repair the leak and the wiggle than replace the entire rack and pinion. I've never done rack and pinion repair/replacement and am unfamiliar with the design or how it might leak. I have researched Haynes (700s), FAQ 700/900, archives and Bentley (240s) for replacement of the unit. It was YouTube that gave me the notion that a inner tie rod replacement might be the better approach than the whole rack and pinion unit.

So, I'm seeking opinions on which approach might solve the wiggle and the leak. This car is by backup to a 240 when it is down for upkeep. And the state is giving me 55 more days to return for the makeup inspection.

For the fun of Volvos,
Mike
--
'92 245DL, '90 760 GLT