I've a 94 maxima and I desperately need some help with replacing my rack & pinion a friend told me it could be dangerous as the engines weight must be properly supported when its mounting bolts are off. Can I use a Jack?
I'm on a shoe string budget so I'm trying to avoid having to go to a mechanic who's probably going to charge me more than what the cars worth, so thought id just do it myself and drive it to a alignment shop afterwards .

 

You can safely support the front with jackstands just fine. Get a pair that will allow you get under safely and high enough for you to clear yourself. 5 bolt that hold in the rack n pinion I think 17mm or 19mm been awhile since I've done one for a 3rd gen. Before you do that! undo your outer tie rods, then remove the 10mm bolt on the steering shaft underneath the hood were it connects to the rack n pinion (its a pita) some pb blaster and patience should do the trick and it should slide up enough for it to clear the rack n pinion itself. Also you are going to to have to drain the power steering fluid as much as you can! Since you will be undoing the two lines that connect to the rack n pinion itself. Once you have thoose steps done undo the main bolts and slide it out from the driver side. Also replace the rack n pinion bushings as well! When they fail the cause a lot of play in the steering and through off alignment!

 

nice write up im definitely save this. thanks

 

 

do you have to support the engine on 3rd gens? ive replaced a few FWD racks and usually just have to drop the subframe a bit to make room

 

not on these cars. Nissan didn't put a subframe on the 3rd gens. Just a simple cross member. No need to support the engine in this case. If you are in need of a soild place to position ur jack stands use the swaybar u brackets!..... good luck!...............

 

after as long as you owned and worked on a 3rd gen and you ask this?

 

that thing gave me no trouble, only thing that called its death was the engine knocking and trans slipping within 3 days of eachother. only 2 big jobs it needed were a new AC compressor and valve cover gaskets

 

Thank you for the information twas very helpful!

 

I just replaced mine 3 weeks ago. I took me a total of 10 working hours! Yes, it's the separation of the steering column shaft and pinion shaft that will require a lot of patience. take that clamp bolt all the way out. I found it easier if you dismount the resonator and the fuel filter from it's clamp. Replace the return hose while you have the easier access to it. I also put an in-line filter on the return line; just cheap insurance. And make sure you keep the steering wheel and rack and pinion centered.

 

Noted, and before I forget I have to ask..do I absolutely have to remove the steering wheel? can I just lock in its neutral position without any risk of damaging srs cable?

 

Just to sum things up!.....no!.....you don't have to touch the steering wheel at all! everything can be done underneth and under the hood. Don't mess with the airbag nor the steering wheel. If your indoubt use google to search for a 3rd gen maxima pdf shop manual or get urself a hynes or chilton for further detail instructions. Its pretty straight foward! Just take ur time and be patient! Good luck!

 

ive never removed the steering wheel on any rack and pinion ive done, i just lock it in the neutral position