Rack pinion issues

Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 110,000 MILES
I hit a pothole and broke mounting bracket on the right side of my rack and pinion. So I replaced it with a re-manufactured one which lasted approximately two months and the right side mount bracket broke on it. So I replaced it again and again the same mount broke. I then replaced the rack even again plus new strut and spring on right side. Now it has broken again. Same mount. So please what is going on? Help me.
Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 3:54 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
Hi Doob, welcome to 2CarPros. Lets see what we can figure out here.

Let me start with a question or 2. If I read your post right you have changed the bracket 3 times? Is it 3 times with the same after market bracket?

Is it breaking in the same place every time? Is it breaking where a weld is?

Let me know, Rich.
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Yea. I think so. Its a cordone brand.I believe it ran about 180$ At advance auto. Probably should just go to auto salvage. Try to get a oem. Thanks for responding. Im stumped.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
I would say they are using bad steel or if the welds are breaking they have bad welds. The cheapest way out would probably be to take it to a welder and have them put a good weld on it.

Rich.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
You think I could maybe beef up the weld on a new rack in order strenthen it?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
If you can give me a good picture of the mount and where it is breaking I can tell you what you need to do to fix the issue. Several would be better, with one from back far enough that I can see the set up and where the stresses will come from.

Rich
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Ill see what I can do. Thanks
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
You are welcome. I will be here!

Rich
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Hey Rich you think a new subframe would fix the problem?
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Monday, October 7th, 2019 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
If its the brackets that are breaking and not the subframe then I doubt it will fix the issue.

Rich
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Monday, October 7th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Hey Rich I’m back. Haven’t fig out the rack problem yet. Can u tell me if this 07 Grand Prix sedan had magnasteer cause someone said if it did and I replaced it with out changing in and out tie rods that problem caused the problem. Also I looked up rpo code and found steering to be non variable. Whatever that means. Thanks for your input.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2021 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
The Magnasteer system is a speed-dependent power steering system. It provides power assist at varying levels depending on need and the vehicle's speed.

Non-variable PS provided the same amount of assist regardless of speed and conditions. If that is what the rpo code indicated, it doesn't have magnasteer.

I hope that helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Hey Joe, I found the rpo sticker it shows a non magnasteer so I’m thinking I will replace it with a junk yard unit. I’m believing the cores used although rebuilt on inside had weak mount brackets probably just painted over rust.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
Hi,

That makes things a bit easier. I don't know if you need them, but I attached the directions and pictures below specific to this vehicle for rack and pinion replacement.

I hope this helps. If you get a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. Also, let me know if you have questions or need help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:49 PM

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