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1G Are FWD rack and pinions are the same as AWD?

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Brembo

Proven Member
417
82
Aug 17, 2014
Clifton, New_Jersey
All right, normally I don't post here much but my rack and pinion over flow tubes are leaking and today I took some parts off to get a closer look and I found that it is moist by the big nut where the steering shaft goes in. Anyways, started to look for a rack and noticed that everywhere where it says fits awd it is out of stock. So I was wondering if their is a difference between fwd to awd. I don't think their should be but what do I know. So, if anyone has been in this situation please post. Maybe part numbers that 100% work. I have a 90 gsx 5 speed. Any info is much appreciated. Other choice I have either just try and order a fwd rack or rebuild the one I have. Thanks in advance.
 
I'm pretty sure there is no difference, because you can get a manual rack out of a 1.8 FWD and put it in an AWD car no problem. I'm not totally sure on the powered FWD rack but I can't imagine they're different.

Did you check rockauto? That's where I got mine.
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I was able to find an AWD matching rack from a company called Detroitaxle on eBay ( about $110 ). Way cheaper than everyone else, showed up quickly, looked properly reman’d , and fit without issue.
 
I also have installed a Detroit Axle rebuilt rack, and have a 90awd. They listed one unit for all years 90-94, though the parts catalog shows 90 as unique. I don’t recall if they list the same one for awd and fwd. It seems to be working fine (other issues preventing much driving so far), but I’m a little nervous that it may be leaking; though it might just be some fluid that escaped when I was installing it. They are rather difficult to swap, given very tight access, especially reaching down between engine and firewall to reach the column bolt and fluid fittings. I had to remove the down pipe and xfer case. Check your stabilizer mount bushings while you’re at it, since you need to remove It anyway. Same goes for rack mounts. My rebuilt one did fit in my car just like the one I took out, so in that sense seems the same. Maybe just internally distinct.

I still have my original, leaking rack, and will likely rebuild it myself at some point; fsm has a good description.
 
I'm stuck on the same question. I'm trying to replace my 1991 Talon AWD Rack and Pinion, but Rock Auto has it broken down by FWD and AWD and Detroit Axel list states that they fit all models Galant's, Talons, Eclipses, and Lasers. Does anyone have a definitive answer?
 
I believe the same, but Not because I ever swapped one to the other, or anything like that. I have a Detroit Axle rack in my 90gsx now, and it’s been good. Good feel, no leaks. They are really a pain (literally) to install, regardless of who supplies it. Also, the service manual describes a very specific process to bleed the air out.
 
I know for sure this one works. I swapped mine on my 91 AWD earlier this year.

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Thank you for everyone's input.

I went ahead and ordered the steering rack and tie rod ends from Detroit Axel. I will update this thread on fitment.
 
Yes, Definitely buyer beware. I got my rebuilt rack for $105 from the on ebay, and seems good. No issues yet, anyway. So I purchased some front axles from them, and it went poorly. The parts were rebuilds (or maybe just cleaned used ones) of cheap aftermarket variety. Tried to contact them, and basically was ghosted. Sent them back, started a dispute with my credit card company, and they eventually issued a refund. Could be luck of the draw. Hopefully you’ll get luck with your rack too.
 
I hadn’t seen that post. I like to think that it might come down to which worker was rebuilding it that day, what shape the core was in, etc. I purchased mine outright, I think, or perhaps ate the core charge, because I still have my original one in a box in the garage. I actually would like to rebuild it some day, when I run out of more pressing matters on my car, truck, house,… so probably never until the parts kit is nla. So never, I suppose.
Awww-:cry:
But the DA one is working just fine for now. When I bought my car it would empty the reservoir in about 20 miles. Kind of embarrassing to leave that much oil in a parking spot while you run in a store.
 
I'm about to pull the factory rack and I'm stuck on the 17mm power steering line nut (green circle). First, do I use a flare/line wrench or regular wrench? Second, did you use a stubby wrench, because the 17mm I'm using is too long and I can't properly place it over the nut? Thanks.

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I'm about to pull the factory rack and I'm stuck on the 17mm power steering line nut. First, do I use a flare/line wrench or regular wrench? Second, did you use a stubby wrench, because the 17mm I'm using is too long and I can't properly place it over the nut? Thanks.

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I used a regular open end wrench. I did it from underneath after dropping the downpipe. I likely had both the swaybar and rack loose too. For me it was a lot harder trying to re-thread that fitting on reinstall.
 
I used a regular open end wrench. I did it from underneath after dropping the downpipe. I likely had both the swaybar and rack loose too. For me it was a lot harder trying to re-thread that fitting on reinstall.
Got it man. Thanks!

I just got it out from the top with a 17mm regular wrench/stubby. Not looking forward to installing the new one when it arrives this week.
 
I used a flare for both, but recall I had to remove one fitting completely before the other due to wrench clearance. That was for sure one of the main challenges. I came at it from above, sort of laying from the d/s fender and intake manifold.
There are o-rings on both fittings, and they are slightly different sizes. My rack came with two of the same size, but got luck at the local parts store for the second, smaller one.
If I’m remembering right, I also pulled the whole steering column out first, also for room.
 
Thanks for sharing dwb!

Amcbride91panda, how long ago and how many miles have you put on your rack? Any issues? Thanks.
Car hasn't driven yet... about a month and it should be fired up. As for the rack install, went in no problems, rack was identical to the one that came out of the car.
 
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