How to replace a RACK & PINION?

Tiny
R_TABORN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
Steering problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 76000 miles

I never replaced one before can you please help me?

I love this site.
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 AT 9:12 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,347 POSTS
Hello,

You must jack the car up safely first and remove the battery cable.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Next undo the tie rod ends

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement

Here are some stats

If the vehicle is equipped with all wheel drive, tighten the power steering gear right side bolt to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.) .

Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:
The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust
The fastener develops 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.

If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
With FWD, install the power steering gear nuts and bolts.
Tighten the power steering gear nuts to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.)

Bleed the air from the power steering system.
Inspect and adjust the toe as necessary.

I would flush the fluid after completing the job to help clean the pump out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

You will have to remove the sub-frame from the front of the vehicle

Check out the diagrams (below) on how to change the steering rack.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
JIMVANCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
Is their a computer relearn for a rack r & r?
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 3:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
No just be sure to bleed air form system turn left all the way hold for 30 seconds turn right do same repeat 4 times
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 3:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIMVANCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 3:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EWART PADGETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My Rendezvous has about 1/2" to 3/4" steering wheel slack before effecting the steering. Is the gear set adjustable for lash reduction, or must it be replaced? What is the replacement procedure?

Regards,

Ewart Padgett
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Ewart,

HEre are the procedures for adjusting the steering and if there are excessive slack in the steering rack, here are procedures for the adjustment.

RACK AND PINION GEAR RACK BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT - OFF VEHICLE (RACK AND PINION)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_SteeringRack04RendezvousFig79_1.jpg



1 . Loosen the adjuster plug lock nut (1).

2 . Turn the adjuster plug clockwise until the adjuster plug bottoms in the gear assembly.

3 . Turn the adjuster plug back 50 degrees to 70 degrees (approximately one flat).

4 . Install the adjuster plug lock nut (1) to the adjuster plug.

5 . Tighten: Hold the adjuster plug stationary while tightening the adjuster plug lock nut (1) to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).

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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRISTORAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,800 MILES
2002 Buick Rendezvous. Power steering moaning. Replaced pump and rack & pinion. Have since replaced pump 2 more times. Lines are clear, no crimps, presure tested all, etc. Just put on 3rd pump and 1 day later, it's moaning loudly on left & right turns. ANY IDEAS, ANYONE?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Sometimes people tend to overlook the fact that steeringwheel alignment/front end alignment will effect the groan noise associated with it, I recommend, you have your steeringwheel/frontend aligned, that should fix the problem
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHAWDOG6
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
Steering problem
2002 Buick Rendezvous 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

why would your power steering be low
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Just from general usage, the fluid can get low. However, if you are always adding, that is another issue. The pump could be leaking, a hose, or the rack and pinion can leak.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:39 PM (Merged)

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