Going to replace Power Steering Rack

[sleep7]

About a week after I got the '91, I noticed a lot of fluid leaking from underneath. I also noticed that when I make any kinds of turns the steering fights me. So I checked and figured that it was PS fluid. I brought it into my mechanic and he and I looked at. The whole bottom of the steering rack was wet, while dripping the fluid down the end links. So I need a new steering rack. He suggested that I get it from my old '89. I dont know if thats a good idea or not but I'm not sure if I can afford a brand new one.

Anyways, I have been working at the shop he works, and I'm finally getting to learn how to work on cars. My first job was an alternator, and now I'm moving on to this. I willl get some of their help though. So, any suggestions on going about doing this? I did a search and it was suggested that you drop the rear subframe a couple inches. Is there anything else that I should know?

 

[Ishodu]

Not really too much to it really, just disconnect the lines and the tie rods and the plug and the little bolt on the steering shaft. Do what ever you have to do to get clearance to remove it. Make sure you center the steering wheel in its travel and turn the rack from one side to the other and count the turns and take it back to center.

 

[dstig1]

Well, it's not the worst job on the SHO, but it is a bit of a PITA. Go check in the Suspension subsection of the Forum. That's where all the discussion on steering racks occurs.

I found it helped a bit to drop the subframe a couple inches for extra clearance. Count # of turns to take off the tie rod ends, write it on them on a pice of tape (side and # turns), and then re-install them the same number of turns. The hardest part of the job was getting the PS line fittings started back onto the new rack. Took me 20-30 min each for the two of them just to get them started (hard to turn by hand, hard to reach, hard to align, etc). I'd give them a small squirt of WD40 to allow the internal seal to become slick enough to turn freely on the PS line, but it only lasted 20sec each shot. Was a PITA, as noted.

-Dave

 

[DHMag]

with the subframe completely removed, rack replacement is very easy.