2G Steering Rack Replacement?

[SILV BLT]

I did a bunch of searching, but I wasn't able to come up with anything for a 2g. How difficult is it to replace the steering rack. I bought a used one from a salvage yard and my mechanic is quoting me around $300 to put it in. The Haynes manual doesn't make it seem to be too bad. The only thing that would really suck would be having to drop the exhaust pipe and center crossmember, but I thought I had read somewhere that you can get it out without having to remove either of those. Anyone had any experience with this? I'm low on cash and saving $300 would be great. Thanks guys!

 

[ACM]

Removal is simple, replacement less so.

Assuming your car is similar to the 2G AWD, you will need to remove the downpipe, anti-roll bar, and most likely the engine mount crossmember. On the steering rack itself, you need to remove not only the PS lines, but the PS fittings on the rack itself. The rack drops vertically down - this is required to disengage the steering shaft from the UJ, hence the need to remove the crossmember. Make sure you center the rack and verify the steering wheel position prior to removal, you should also mark the UJ alignment on the shaft.

Replacement is reversal of the above, however getting the shaft to align and mate up with the UJ is easier said than done. Make absolutely sure you bleed the PS properly, you will lose all steering assistance at random intervals if there are any air bubbles remaining. This symptom is not fun.


Charles

 

[SILV BLT]

Well I tackled the project yesterday. I worked on it all afternoon and well into the night, but its pretty much done. On the NT (not sure if it would be different for the turbo) I only had to drop the stabilizer bar and I was able to slide the unit out from the side. Saved a LOT of hassle. After working until 2:30 in the morning I had the unit all bolted in and the car back together, but after adding fluid I found a leak coming from one of the two inlet hoses. Not too big of a deal, I just had to put up with strongarm steering for the day until I can tighten up the lines tomorrow. I also managed to get the input shaft off by a notch, so my steering wheel is turned to the right. I'll have to loosen a few bolts to realign it, but nothing too bad. All in all, the project wasn't too difficult, it just took a lot of time. I had quite a few bolts that didn't want to come loose. Thank god none of them decided to snap on me. If anyone is thinking of attempting this, keep in mind it isn't that complicated, but does take a lot of time and effort. For me though, saving $350 was well worth the day of work. Plus the satisfaction of having done it myself.

 

[redgst95]

what are the symptoms of the steering rack going out?!?! im having problems keeping control of my car on the interstate even around the city one slight jerk of the wheel and im done for!!!! i have replaced the shocks w/ tokico 5 ways and i have tein springs i thought that would help but it didnt so im leaning towards either my steering rack or maybe my bushings i know they are bad ,but would that cause this problem?!?!?!

 

[SILV BLT]

I knew my steering rack was going cuz it was leaking fluid like crazy. Physically it felt fine though. My guess is that your problem IS the bushings. When you turn, the forces acting against the car are twisting the suspension components. Because of the worn out bushings, the components are twisting too much, then readjusting. But it may not be this, it could be something completely different. Have you had your alignment checked recently. Too much toe in or our could cause the car to turn too much, or be jumpy. I'm not sure, but good luck man. If you find out that it is the steering rack, hit me up if you have any questions on the install.