mrkanda

iTrader: (3)

Hello All,

I have to replace my steering rack and pinion and want to know how much work it would be to do myself. Anyone here done it? I would call myself a fairly experienced novice with a few good tools but not a good garage. Is it something I should try or is it going to be a PIA? Thanks for any and all advice.

Mrkanda

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

always try!

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

you can do it. it's a PITA, but it's not hard.

jack up car.. support on jackstands very well. (you're going to be under it pushing and pulling and cursing for a looong time.)

disconnect battery

do something inside to lock steering wheel perfectly straight forward.

remove front wheels.
remove tie rod ends from steering knuckle
remove pressure and return hose from steering rack. be ready to collecet spilling fluid in a container.
unbolt U-joint on steering column going into the rack. remove the bolts/pins in it and set them aside. spray tons of penetrating fluid on the joint.

unbolt rack from firewall. these are 17mm bolts and are in pretty good... have fun getting them out.

once all that's done, pry the U joint off the end of the splines on the steering rack and make sure the steering wheel stays centered... if it gets turned a bit, be sure to turn it back to center the right direction. otherwise you will ruin the spiral cable connecting the airbag, horn, and cruise to the car. that's a $250 part and a b!tch to replace.

when you get the U joint off, just pull the whole rack out of the driver's side fender well. it comes straight out, but takes a little finesse.

replace parts on new rack, etc etc etc.. install is reverse of removal.
before you connect the U joint onto the rack, make sure the rack is perfectly centered though! otherwise the guys at the alignment shop will have a horrible time trying to get the steering wheel straight and the alignment right.


and yes, once you're done, drive the car straight to an alignment shop!

avmaldo

i did it with my pops and i am just a beginner, hes a beast though. took us all weekend with me doing most of the work.

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

took me about 6 hours the first time......

avmaldo

But your name is Matt... king of 3rd gens.

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

I had to learn it all somehow.

-shock211-

iTrader: (1)

we all were rookies at one time.
this reminds me, i need to change an inner tie rod end and boot before i blow my rack.

avmaldo

I forgot though when i did it we also replaced the control arm bushings, ball joints, of course tie rod ends, and we attempted to do our own alignment. For some reason it was really hard to get the universal joint back on, had to use a hammer.

Oh yeah and we rebuilt the ps pump (which was a bust, the thing still leaks) and we replaced all the ps lines.

I think we started friday night and ended sunday night, that was a fun weekend.

mrkanda

iTrader: (3)

Thanks, Guys, for all the posts and the great write up, Matt. I didn't actually see it until some other person asked the same question and you typed in the link. Sorry, I'm still a little new at posting and I only get to read stuff every now and then. I would like to become a much more active member. I think my chance is approaching, because now the Max is the car I drive and it needs a bit of work to be fully road worthy. I hope I can pick the brains of the local gurus on here if you all don't mind. BTW, I live in College Park, MD near DC- if anyone is local or knows the maxima scene here, let me know. Thanks again!

Also, check out the awsome links I put at the end of my last post in the 3rd gen vs. 4th suspension thread.

Mrkanda

GRNMAXDMON

iTrader: (1)

but ur still the ----->


i was goin' to attempt this on my own as well but didn't have the time to do it cuz i was workin' 24/7 so i paid a reputable shop $225 and they installed a new one and new bushings as well in 3hrs. Pep Boys quoted me $725 with parts and labor

mrkanda

iTrader: (3)

Sorry to unearth this thread, but I just now got to doing the steering rack. I'm actually in the midst of the job. I have the rack out and am planning the ps hose replacement and flush as well as the new rack install. The problem I'm having is that the rack I got didn't come with outer tie-rod ends (I misunderstood InternetAutoMart- BTW, He's having a disassempley party himself, you should ask him about ;-) and the ones on the old rack are not budging. I can't seem to get them off.

What do you all suggest I do. Advanced Auto quoted me about $48 each for new ones. Is there a simpler way to get them off and reuse, or should I go with new for convenience and reliability? THanks!

-Mrkanda

CHM

Go with new. The boots wear out anyway and they loosen up. If you are going through the trouble of replacing the rack, I recommend spending the extra bucks on the tie rod ends.