How to Install Rack & Pinion
The rack and pinion system in your vehicle is key to proper steering and safety. If yours goes out, your steering will suffer. It will take an hour or so to replace it, but it can be done with hand tools.
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Things You'll Need
- Open-end wrench set
- 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Tape measure
- Replacement rack and pinion
Instructions
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1
Lift up the front of the vehicle using the jack and support it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is secure before you crawl underneath.
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2
Unbolt the rack and pinion from the steering shaft using the 3/8-inch ratchet. Once it's unbolted, the steering shaft can be pulled off the rack.
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3
Loosen the lines connecting the power steering pump to the rack with an open-end wrench.
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4
Unbolt the tie rod ends from the front suspension using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set. The tie rods will then drop down off the vehicle.
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5
Unbolt the rack from the vehicle using the 3/8-inch ratchet. There are four bolts that clamp the rack to the frame. The rack can be removed from the vehicle.
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6
Measure the distance from the end of the rack and pinion dust boots to the end of the tie rod ends. This is a reference point so that you can reinstall the tie rods onto the new rack.
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7
Unscrew the tie rod ends using the open-end wrench. Reinstall those tie rod ends onto the new rack, using the measurement in Step 6.
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8
Reinstall the rack in the opposite order in which it was removed.
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