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Post by stelte on Nov 15, 2007 9:25:47 GMT -6
Well, my steering Rack and Pinion has finally totally went out. Is there a procedure posted anywhere? I did a search but couldn't find one. I'm interested to converse with someone who has done this recently.
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Post by lynzoid on Nov 15, 2007 9:41:13 GMT -6
i did it, but don't have any photos.... actually, it's only 3 screws if you dont count the tie rods.
best idea from AB was to unbolt the rear part of subframe (4 big bolts), and take the bolt out of the rear tranny mount - the rack mounted on top of it by 2 screws, and i horisontal screw on the opposite end.
check all the hydraulic parts, cos on the reman rack i got, there was 1 bad pressure tube and i had to salvage it from old rack, along with horisontal bushing.
also, please don't forget to bleed the system after you install the new rack. it involves opening ps tank cap, make car hang (front wheels in the air) and rotate steering wheel from one side to another untill fluid stops bubbling out and foaming ! it may take up to 60 (sixty) pumps.
cheers
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Post by stelte on Nov 15, 2007 10:12:35 GMT -6
Do you have to take the rear engine cradle bolts out and lower the cradle a few inches to get the rack out? What side do you pull it out on, the driver or passenger?
Also, somewhere I seem to recall being told that you have to uncouple the exhaust to get the rack out. Is this true?
Finally, I don't have a lift and will have to put the car up on jack stands. Can this be done from underneath the car do you think?
Thanks for your help.
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Post by lynzoid on Nov 15, 2007 10:21:32 GMT -6
yes, take cradle bolts out and lower it, you can lower it a bit further if you take out the horisontal bolt holding the engine to the mount under the rack. pass side if i recall correct - it had better clearance.
well we didn't, but it's like 2 screws and may help a bit. thing is the time i was replacing it i was doing lot more on the car at the same time.
mmmmm....mmmm jackstands... well... i dunno to be frank. we used a lift and a manual jack to support the subframe - pls keep it in mind. the front mounting can take only that much.
well, i think it can be done but one or two extra jacks neccesary.
P
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Post by Speed Neon on Nov 16, 2007 10:00:56 GMT -6
not a biggie just drop the rear subframe, remove the rear tranny mount. roll back the rubber sleeve that houses the steering u-joint and remove the pinch bolt. unbolt the rack. remove the lines, and slide it out the drivers side of the car.
1.5 hours in and out and bled.
bleeding is simple.
fill the ps tank start the car point the wheels straight forward , than go lock to lock about 4 times. call it a day.
on to the next car
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Post by lynzoid on Nov 16, 2007 10:49:43 GMT -6
mate, 4 times is way insufficient and having it done while started will just cause pump to cavitate and wouldn't let all the air out...
check out funny poster in factory manual book1, p/s general section =)
i mean it - 57 times lock to lock to get all air, then bubbles, then foam out of system. the feel steering have after that procedure is just different in a great way
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Post by 55624096 on Nov 17, 2007 8:31:56 GMT -6
I just finished installing new rack yesterday. First clue is that the two mounting bolts on top of rack can be loosened by using a 15mm swivel socket on a 2 foot long 3/8 extension. From under push the extension up by the EGR valve and by hand place the 15mm swivel on bolt # one, the go up top and loosen #1. Repeat the same process for bolt #2. Yes you must lower the sub frame to get working room. Also remove sway bar retainers so you can move it out of the way. You should be able to remove tie rod ends by placing nut back on and hitting with hammer mine came off easy. Suggest you rent a hoist for a couple of hours to do this job it will be hell to do on the ground.
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Post by lynzoid on Nov 17, 2007 8:37:02 GMT -6
grats ! glad it worked out fine
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Post by Speed Neon on Nov 18, 2007 18:15:52 GMT -6
mate, 4 times is way insufficient and having it done while started will just cause pump to cavitate and wouldn't let all the air out... check out funny poster in factory manual book1, p/s general section =) i mean it - 57 times lock to lock to get all air, then bubbles, then foam out of system. the feel steering have after that procedure is just different in a great way i wonder if GM had somebody turn the wheel 57 times for every classic built. . . . i doubt it. even tho it is possible that you will get trapped air, its uncommon. and in the past 90 racks i have installed my procedure has not let me down. but to each their own. |
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Post by lynzoid on Nov 18, 2007 18:55:42 GMT -6
mate, i'm not saying you did a half-arsed job on these 90, but i'm not making stuff up as well. pay attn to n.5 =)  |
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Post by stelte on Nov 21, 2007 8:25:23 GMT -6
I am having trouble getting the center bolt out of the transmission mount. I think the bolt is rusted into the center of the metal piece that is molded into the rubber part. Has anyone had this problem/
BTW - My rack failed in a catastophic way. The collar mounting on the passenger side was cracked and broken, and the two bolts on the passenger side had sheared off, so the whole rack was loose. No wonder I had trouble driving it home after the failure!
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