how to replace steering rack?

[brianswimmer23]

Alright guys i will be replacing my steering rack in a few weeks as soon as the hobby shop on base has its new floors done so i can use the lift. well anyone have a write-up i can see or try and get a good idea on how to really tackle this? i get that i have to disco the pressure and return hose lines and disco the pinch bolt from the u-joint coupler but i need more of an in depth write-up to make sure i am replacing the right things that need to be replaced.

what will i need to replace other that the tie-rod end boots or what do i need to do to the steering wheel( if i dont lock it can something go wrong with the airbag harness(clock spring)? will i be able to remove the steering rack bolts easily from the crossmember?? please help!

thanks in advance,
Brian

[Tony]

I don't see that there is anything other than unbolting the rack and tierods along with the lines and steering shaft... I would lock the wheel cause of the reason that you mentioned. But, it should be pretty straight forward...

[brianswimmer23]

does anyone know if the bolts that go threw the cross member will come out with the engine in??

[Forgiven]

Once you do this, please let me know how it went. I'll probably have to do mine in the spring.....

[brianswimmer23]

Originally Posted by Forgiven

Once you do this, please let me know how it went. I'll probably have to do mine in the spring.....

ok. im gonna be doing it sometime around the beginning of the month so as soon as i get it done i will put up a post since their really isnt any info. i just wish i new if the bolts would come out of the crossmember while the engine was in!

[Paulster2]

Originally Posted by brianswimmer23

ok. im gonna be doing it sometime around the beginning of the month so as soon as i get it done i will put up a post since their really isnt any info. i just wish i new if the bolts would come out of the crossmember while the engine was in!

When I was looking at them while putting everything together on the car, it sure looks as though they will come out with the engine in. I'd suggest if you need to change out your rack, you just do it and see. If they don't come out, retighten them and do it when you can pull the engine. If the engine does interfere, you might be able to take out the bolts on the motor mounts and jack it up a couple of inches to get it out of the way ... but I really don't think you'll have to.

[Forgiven]

Lets hope not....If they could not engineer a car to take the steering rack off without moving the motor

[brianswimmer23]

Originally Posted by Paulster2

When I was looking at them while putting everything together on the car, it sure looks as though they will come out with the engine in. I'd suggest if you need to change out your rack, you just do it and see. If they don't come out, retighten them and do it when you can pull the engine. If the engine does interfere, you might be able to take out the bolts on the motor mounts and jack it up a couple of inches to get it out of the way ... but I really don't think you'll have to.

thanks for the reply paul but the worst part is i just got my engine put in(go figure-than the steer rack starts to leak). yea i hope the bolts come out otherwise im gonna cut them and put them in from the bottom. with the nuts at the top with some good jbweld on the threads, or lift the engine. but i will be able to do everything in a shop on base so it will be ok either way just wanted to make sure i had it figured out before i do it!

[Steve91T]

Let me know how it goes. Make sure to take some pictures. I'm going to be doing mine probably in Jan.

Steve

[brianswimmer23]

ok will do steve, plus i just took the car to the lift today to fix an issue(rear brake kept throwing alot of dust needed to be lubed) and the bolts will come out of the cross member with the engine in. will be doing this project in about a week around the 18 or 19.

[dkishton1486]

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT


Raise and suitably support vehicle.
Special security wheel lock nuts, if equipped.
Tire and wheels.
Place drain pan under steering gear (1).
Inlet and outlet hoses from steering gear. Refer to "Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hoses".
Steering gear outer tie rod from steering knuckle.
Steering gear coupling shaft from steering gear.
Nuts (26) and bolts/screws (27).
Steering gear (1).
INSTALL OR CONNECT

NOTICE: Do not start the vehicle with any power steering gear inlet or outlet hoses disconnected. When disconnected, cap or plug all openings of components. Failure to do so could result in contamination or loss of power steering fluid and damage to the system.



Position steering gear (1) to crossmember (34).
Adjust the steering gear (1) so it aligns as straight as possible with steering gear coupling shaft.
Hand start bolts/screws (27) and nuts (26).
Position back-up wrench to nuts (26). Tighten bolts/screws (27) to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.) .
Steering gear to steering gear coupling shaft.
Steering gear outer tie rods to steering knuckles.
Inlet and hoses to steering gear. Refer to "Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hoses".
Tire and wheels.
Special security wheel lock nuts, if equipped.
Lower vehicle.
Refill and bleed power steering system. Refer to "Bleeding the Power Steering System".

[Steve91T]

Yeah, I think I'm just going to wing it. J/k, thanks for the in info. That does really help.

Steve

[Paulster2]

Originally Posted by Steve91T

Yeah, I think I'm just going to wing it.

It usually works for me

[brianswimmer23]

yea thanks for the info. when i do mine im gonna make a whole write-up with pics , to make it pic by pic to understand and know where i get snagged!

[pmr253]

You can remove it from the k-member without having to mess with the motor.
Here is a good shot of the stock k-member.



The hard part will be messing with the pump.
This picture shows both the connections to the pump and I cant remember how the reservoir connects to it all but I know there is 2 hoses on the pump and 3 all together. You have to remove the lines from the rack or the pump.