Replacing The Steering Rack

[Iqoniq]

Hi. I have the steering assist fault and my car (2013 Lincoln MKS) doesn't qualify for the recall, per the VIN. That means I will have to replace it myself. Has anyone here done it in the garage and what were your thoughts on it?

 

[SHOrod]

I replaced the PTU on my 2013 MKS about a month or so ago and during the process thought to myself, "I guess I know if I ever need to replace my steering rack I know I can do it." To get the PTU replaced without having to remove my cats (I was afraid the studs in the turbos were going to break) I dropped the subframe, which made the PTU process MUCH easier. The steering rack was attached to the subframe and was readily accessible at the time too. I'm not sure the subframe would need to come all the way out to change the rack, but once you're that close, it would probably be worth the few extra steps to make it easier.

I did the work in my garage with the car on jackstands, and my car has spent it's whole life in the midwest (rust belt) so I would say if you're used to working on cars and have a decent assortment of tools and a couple of floor jacks, you could do it too.

-Rod

 

[Iqoniq]

Hmm. Thanks for the FYI. I went ahead and let the shop do it this time, since I really just want it done and out of the way, and I would have had to tow it to the dealer anyway to have it mated to the comp. 3200 is a chunky bill but ... eh.

I'll do it myself next time if it goes out again.

I might need to replace my PTU too here soon, or, at the very least, break it down to replace the seals. It's leaking at one axle.