Rack and pinion replacement

Hello,

Replacing the rack does not require the removal of the subframe.

I have attached the replacement procedure below for your reference.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

Thank you. I thought I would escape doing it by using some stop leak but it never worked.. guess I will have to start it tomorrow.. thanks for the help!

You are welcome.
Let me know how it goes.

Got it done but now steering wheel is off center about 1/4 turn.

Not sure if rack wasn't centered when installed or the toe is out.

This is probably due to having the steering wheel off centered during install. Which can happen quite easily.

You saying I have to drop that rack again? Is there a way to get it out of the spline inside without having to drop the rack again? I tried to get it out of the spline, but it wouldn't come out. I may have to drop that side enough to get it out, do I?

Thanks

Unfortunately, without dropping the rack you won't be able to re-align the shaft. Some vehicles you can remove just the center mounting bolts to have just enough room.

Okay, thanks! I only need to lower it just a tad to get it out of intermediate shaft knuckle underneath steering wheel so I can straighten the steering wheel. I was thinking of just removing the 2 bolts on the driver said and see if I can drop it down just enough to get it out of the spline. I only need to get the steering wheel straight.. if I have to drop it all I don't to remove anything else do I? Will I need to let go the tie rod ends again? Thanks?

If you don't undo the tie rods, then no you don't have to do anything with the tie rods.

Thanks for the advice.. My plans are to drop the rack enough to get it out of the spline inside the car so I can center the steering wheel.. other than that I have no issues with the repair except for the steering wheel being of 1/4 turn.. I can still drive it but its bothersome.. I let you know how I do.. thanks!

You are welcome.
Let me know how it goes.

I will. Before I begin would the steering rack being off centered cause this? And am I able to center it by turning the steering wheel to this or does it need to be done out of the car?

Thanks!

It is likely due to the spline of the rack got connected when the steering wheel was not centered. It can happen very easily. Most of the time shops will use a steering wheel stopper before performing this type of replacement.

Okay thanks! I will be trying it today. I noticed car wanders to the right when I let go of the steering wheel also but it's not overly bad that I am not unable to control it. Going to center the steering wheel and see if I can eyeball alignment until I can get it to a shop for a proper alignment. thanks!!

I'm not sure that I mentioned that I installed a used rack with tie rods attached from salvage yard. Before I installed the rack, the steering wheel was a fraction to the right not by much. After I installed the rack, the steering wheel is off 1/4 turn to the left. I included a pic of the right front tire with the steering wheel straight and it seems to point out as you can see a bit of the back tire. The left side seems to be pointed in. this tire seems pointed out to me with the steering wheel straight which is what is confusing me.

Since the replacement components already have the tie rod ends, it will need to be adjusted. Likely you will have to get this aligned as the components are not matched with your car. You will likely have to get it aligned even if you are able to adjust the rack while the steering wheel is straight.

Yup, it's all out of whack. if I straighten the steering wheel and then align. it will throw the steering wheel off again. I did have the seat belt going through the steering wheel into the seat belt holder so it won't turn and to be honest I can't tell you if the steering wheel turned or not. The tire does look like its outwards when the wheel is straight. I'm going leave it for today while I think of how to approach this problem tomorrow. I will keep you informed on the progress.. thanks for your help.

You are welcome. Hope you are able to get this fixed.

I'm going to try. first I'm going to try to bring right front tire in and if tire out by adjusting tie rods. I noticed one tie rod has way more threads showing than the other when they should be even threads on both sides, so we see what tomorrow brings I guess.

That sounds like a good approach.
Good luck.

Never went at it today.. i'm going to try what you suggested first because it don't seem that bad and see how it goes from there.. thanks!

Got it. You are welcome.

Hey Sean! Ending up dropping rack again and straightening steering wheel. still of a bit but not as bad as it was. Wheel alignment will fix the rest, I guess. Thanks for all the advice you offered in getting this done. Much appreciated.

Thanks!

That's good. Glad you are able to get this done.

Thank you for using 2CarPros!

Thanks for your help. This is a great site for people like me. top bolt on passenger side wouldn't go all the way in but I have three tighten anyway. I'm going to work on that other bolt the weekend and see what's going on.. At least I'm mobile. thanks a million.

We are glad that we can provide helpful information!
Thanks again!