2G Rack & Pinion Replacement

[bo0st2]

It looks like the rack & pinion is bad on my 2g GST. I found a refurb on RockAuto for a good deal so I picked that up but I'm not too mechanically inclined to do this myself so I am looking to hire someone. My question to everyone that has done it is how long did it take you, did you need any specialized tools or anything? I want to make sure the guy I hire doesn't BS me too much so I need to know a couple things.

 

[pauleyman]

I did it in maybe 3 hours?
You absolutely will need an alignment afterwards so factor in that cost.

 

[bo0st2]

I did it in maybe 3 hours?
You absolutely will need an alignment afterwards so factor in that cost.

3 hours nice! Okay thank you for that info I appreciate it

 

[jdxnc]

If you're in there do the inner and outer tie rods at the same time.

 

[bo0st2]

If you're in there do the inner and outer tie rods at the same time.

Okay will do thanks for the info

 

[pauleyman]

Okay will do thanks for the info

New rack usually comes with inner already installed. I agree install new outers. I did this a long time ago so I'm taking an educated guess at that 3 hours. I don't remember it being a big deal.

 

[bo0st2]

New rack usually comes with inner already installed. I agree install new outers. I did this a long time ago so I'm taking an educated guess at that 3 hours. I don't remember it being a big deal.

Thanks for the info

Did you need any special tools like this https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8877373&cc=0&pt=1000197&jsn=2414 for the job?

 

[dwb]

You might need a something like a ball joint separator to get the tie rod end off the knuckle.

 

[bo0st2]

You might need a something like a ball joint separator to get the tie rod end off the knuckle.

Thanks!

One like this?

More Information for PERFORMANCE TOOL W83022

 

[curt-s]

How are the boots on the balljoints? If they're bad you could use a picklefork separator to get the tie rod ends off and then you'll have to press or negotiate the balljoint anyway.. but it makes things a little easier off the start due to space.

If they're good and the balljoints are good too with no play, you'll need to be more careful on the tool. I can't speak for that particular separator on a 2G knuckle.. but I've used that on other cars and just like the other type of separator, be warned, they usually make a bang when they finally release. Normal.

 

[pauleyman]

Thanks for the info

Did you need any special tools like this https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8877373&cc=0&pt=1000197&jsn=2414 for the job?

You do not need that.
Sounds like you're going to attempt this?

 

[bo0st2]

How are the boots on the balljoints? If they're bad you could use a picklefork separator to get the tie rod ends off and then you'll have to press or negotiate the balljoint anyway.. but it makes things a little easier off the start due to space.

If they're good and the balljoints are good too with no play, you'll need to be more careful on the tool. I can't speak for that particular separator on a 2G knuckle.. but I've used that on other cars and just like the other type of separator, be warned, they usually make a bang when they finally release. Normal.

Wouldn't surprise me if they were bad, the previous owner didn't really maintain this vehicle too well.

You do not need that.
Sounds like you're going to attempt this?

Thanks for confirming, not myself personally but I have others nearby that are mechanically inclined and if they were to take on the job I just wanted to make sure we have all the resources needed.