Write up on Rack install

[DammitBobby]

Reading over the fSM I had it really doesn`t give you much info on changing out Rack and Pinion. So I thought I would give you some pointers from my install. Tools you will need.. 2 Jack stands and a floor jack. 19mm, 17mm, and 12mm wrench, needle nose plyers, oil pan, scrap piece 2x4 wood, Air tools(Priceless) or pull bar. I did not put info on torque specs.

Removal:After getting the front end jacked up and supported with good jack stands. Remove the wheels and use a tie rod tool to remove the outer tie rod ends. Remember to write down how many turns on each side it takes to remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod. I got mine at AutoZone it cost me 20 bucks or you can rent it for the same. If you haven`t replaced your tie rods chances are you need too. The Tie Rods should not move freely around like mine did. You can replace tie rod ends at AutoZone lifetime warranty for 22 bucks. Once you remove the tie rods you need to get an oil pan and place it under the power steering lines. Next you need to loosen and pull back both of the power steering lines. Both lines are located under the steering linkage. While waiting enjoy a cold one. After drinking there are 2 U shape brackets holding the rack to the car you need to remove 4 nuts and no the rack will not fall on you. Here is the trick I used to help remove and install the rack. Use the scrap 2x4 wood and place it on top of your floor jack and jack up the oil pan a few inches. This will give you enough room to maneuver the rack out of the car. Finally remove the bolt on the linkage closest to the rack. Now maneuver the rack around so you can pull the linkage off the rack and pinion gear. Once you get that removed you can take the rack out of the car. You need to remove the nut that keeps the tie rod end from moving off the inner tie rod and the bushings. You will not get these parts when you get your new rack. I found a remanufactured rack for $245.00. There is a core charge so you might want to wait until you get the rack off before you buy one. Seems like AutoZone was around $370.00 plus a core charge. I got mine from Eastern Axle. If anybody is interested I will give you their phone number.

Installation:This gets a little tricky. Before you get started you need to flush your power steering pump. Make sure you left the oil pan under the power steering lines. To do this you pour a bottle of transmission fluid in the power steering pump until the fluid looks clean coming out of the bottom of the power steering lines. You will see a lot of crap coming out because nobody ever does it on a regular basis. You want to get the steering wheel close to centered. A good alignment shop can center the wheel for you by adjusting the tie rod ends. Go ahead and install the outer tie rod ends to the rack but do not tighten it just yet. Remember to the count the same number of turns on each side. With the oil pan still jack up a little bit you need to maneuver the rack back in place. Do not forget to put back on the bushings before doing this. Now you will need to hook up the power steering lines but do not tighten them up yet. Next connect the tie rod ends to the spindle, but do not tighten yet. You will probably have to take them off again ( I did several times). Check your wheel alignment and make sure each tire is pointing straight. You may have to adjust the tie rods several times to get it close as possible. Now last time remove the tie rods from the spindle and hook up the steering linkage making sure steering wheel is straight. Now install the tie rod ends to the spindle checking one more time for proper alignment and tighten it down. Install the U brackets and tighten down the rack. Tighten the power steering lines and the steering linkage. You are now ready to start putting transmission fluid in the power steering pump. Do this before you start your car. Keep the car on jack stands for this because when you are finished filling up the power steering pump you need to go under and check for leaks. After you have filled it up go ahead and start the car. You need to turn the steering wheel slowly all the way left and all the way right 10 times. When doing this you need to check the power steering fluid level to make sure it is full. If after that it still makes noise double check your fluid level and do it again 10 times. That should be it now you will have to drive it straight to alignment shop.

[easymmkay240sx]

Great write up!

[silkk]

good info and nice write up