Replacing Steering Rack

[BenSwanson]

so I decided to replace my rack. Ive looked for some instructions on this site but havent found any yet. My Chiltons manual says to start "from inside the vehicle and remove the nuts securing the steering column tube boot to the cowl panel" and "remove the two bolts retaining the steering column gear input shaft couplin to the power steering gear shaft and yoke assembly." Im lost. I havent heard anyone starting from inside the vehicle on this job. Should I pursue this per CHiltons instructions? Thanks for any comments.

P.S. I saw one of Scott's posts but the pictures were no longer available. Keep me in your prayers!

 

[BenSwanson]

I got the steering shaft apart from the power steering coupling. Now Im not sure where to put tht jack stands to lower the subframe. Thanks for any help!

 

[projectSHO89]

Yes,you have to start inside the cabin.

Place the jackstands under the body frame just aft of the rear SFBs. Remove the nuts securing the rack to the subframe. Place floor jack under subframe on passenger side neer rear of subframe. Loosen the FRONT SFB bolts several turns. Remove both rear SFB bolts, then lower the rear of the subframe several inches. This will give you more access to the rack hose connections (18 mm stubby) and to work the rack out through the driver's side wheel well (after disconnecting the tie rod ends from the knuckle.

Make absolutely sure you follow the flush procedure as listed in Cardone's Royal Flush AND that you install a $2 inline filter to prevent contamination of the new rack. Failure to follow these two instructions will likely lead to premature failure of the new rack.

Steve

 

[BenSwanson]

Where can I get the filter and is it specific for P/S. I got the rack out, now Ijust gotta put it back in!

 

[projectSHO89]

I got the filter, a Cardone 20FLT1, from Rockauto for less than $2 each. Contact your local parts store and see if they carry it or a suitable substitute.

The filter which looks a lot like an A/C orifice tube, goes inside the PS return line hose. I have installed them at the P/S cooler and at the reservoir. Each location requires that the filter be inserted at least 6 inches into the hose so that it is not in a bent section of hose.

Congrats on your progress so far. Keep at it.

Steve