removing steering rack

[rktmn]

Any tips on the easiest way to remove the steering rack?

I already have everything disconnected and drained. I think that I may need to lower the subframe at the rear a bit to wiggle it out, but I would rather not.

It is a tight fit in there.

Jose

 

[SHOnuff93]

take the subframe out, or at least drop it down to pull the rack out the back, that much is necessary at the very least.

 

[Shoaz]

Disconnect the steering input as well. There are two places to do this, under the dash and right at the top of the rack (these are two different connections). Disconnecting the upper joint under the dash helps to allow the rack to drop a bit. Pulling up the rubber cover should expose the other nut that holds the column. There are a number of ways to get everything out, but it doesn't hurt to disconnect both of these.

And I agree that dropping the rear of the subframe will likely help to give you some room to work. It may wind up that pulling it out the driver's side works, too. I've never pulled one with the drivetrain in place, so take my advice FWIW.

 

[GoofSHO]

You do have to loosen the rear subframe bolts to where they are in just enough to hold the s/f. Disconnect the steering as stated above. Remove drivers side wheel/tire. IT WILL come out this way. I've done 2 of them this way.


B

 

[DHMag]

dont forget to support the engine before you start loosening the subframe. a simple block of wood and a floor jack would suffice.

 

[rktmn]

I have everything disconnected, except the steering column. I fugured that I would have to loosen the subframe to get it out. I will try to do it today.

I have the steering rack from my 93 ATX, although, it is 12 years old, it only has 55,000 on it, but I was considering installing a new or rebuilt one. I do not want to do this again.

It seems that the one in my SHO now, which came from the donor car I used for the ATX/MTX swap, gave up the ghost when I change the power steering fluid. I used Valvoline Max Life Dexron III Mercon automatic transmission fluid. It is supposed to be for higher Mileage transmissions. I am also using the cooler from my ATX to cool the power steering fluid.

It could just be a coincidence, but I am now concered.

Can anybody recommed a better product?

Jose

 

[sdpatt]

I had no clearance problems getting the rack out through the driver's wheel well without loosening the rear subframe bolts. Just move slowly and gently and rotate the rack as necessary to clear the parts and hoses.

 

[rktmn]

Damn! I am having one **** of a time removing the steering rack, and I have all four bolts loose with a jack under the oipan.

Jose

 

[GoofSHO]

Is everything disconnected?....... You will have to rotate the rack assy. back & forth to clear...it really does work..sorry to hear it's fighting you this much..



B

 

[rktmn]

Got the rack out.

Tomorrow I will try to put the other one in.

What a pain in the butt!

Three of the VSS wires had come off.

To confirm the order: looking at the wires from the front of the car:
LtoR: yellow, black, white, green.

Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks,

Jose

 

[rktmn]

I have to correct myself. It is not the VSS, it is the VAPS
(vaiable assist power steering) wires that I need to line up on the power steering rack.

Anybody know their order?

Jose