After replacing rack and pinion it is difficult to turn the wheel

99GTP

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
V6
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
157,000 MILES

Hello, I just replaced my rack and pinion due to a leakage. I put everything on right and now it is difficult to turn the steering wheel. At first it was able to turn with a little effort and now it hard as heck to turn. When I placed fluid in it whined a little bit then I let it sit to let all the bubbles come up then the whining stopped. It was turning with a little more effort than before but now it is stiff. I have variable assist and when I in plugged it it was smooth except when you turn the wheel all the way it would jerk. Please help.

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This could be a couple of things. First we cannot rule out a faulty rack. However, I am attaching the instructions on how to replace the rack for your review just to eliminate the possibility that you may have missed something.

Next we need to make sure the system is bleed properly. Just letting it sit to get the bubbles out doesn't purge it enough. I also attached the bleeding process that we need to run through because if it bleeds the air out it may restore the operation. However, if it does not then it is possible that the rack was faulty or has now failed if run with no fluid long enough.

Let's run through this and go from there. Thanks

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 6:12 PM

99GTP

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Okay, everything is intact. But I think there might be trapped air in my variable assist. How would I free the air?

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Thursday, October 15th, 2020 AT 8:58 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

That would be the bleeding procedure that I attached also in the last post. It appears you will need a couple of tools that appear to be available at most parts stores. The procedure starts on page nine of what I attached.

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Thursday, October 15th, 2020 AT 7:49 PM

99GTP