Rack and pinion replacement

Hi guys,

I hope you all are OK, It's been some time since I asked for help.

It looks like I'll be needing to replace the rack in my GP, the other day I spotted some fluid on the garage's floor and when I took a quick look under the car I saw the driver's side boot on the rack has traces of oil at the bottom of it.


I guess I finally found what's making the PS pump whine and the wheels being hard to turn when hot.

I read the entire post by zepol regarding the R&P replacement and I have a couple of questions.

1.- I have the normal rack, would it be possible to install the variable effort (magnasteer) rack? Both are the same price at autozone.
2.- What do you guys think about autozone's racks, any experience with them?.
3.- Is replacing the subframe bolts a must or will I be able to use some threadlocker on the used ones?
4.- Do you have any suggestions or tips on this process?.

Thanks in advance for any input,

Oscar.

You should replace the gear with the original replacement. The Magnasteer rack would bolt in, but will not be functional and may have a stiffer "feel". My experience with aftermarket rebuilt racks is not good, I've had some that didn't work right out of the box, that leaked, that failed within a few days or weeks. Every now and then one will last. If your cradle bolts are not corroded along the length of the the bolt, you can reuse them without a problem.

GMtech1 is correct.....use the same rack.....your vehicle doesn't even have a harness to connect to it...not worth it to change it over....

Thank you guys,

I remember seeing a connector by the drivers side hanging loose in the engine compartment with two (one white and one gray) wires (I even posted about it here in the forum) according to my diagram that color coding would belong to the magnasteer.

I'm having trouble finding an original replacement, dealers around here don't have it in stock, the local plant doesn't have it either and they would be ordering it from the US but they have no idea how much it would take to have it shipped.

I had another look at the car and it's actually leaking at both sides so it's pretty worn :s .

I've been doing some calls to local stores and none of them has a replacement also, that leaves me only with the possibility of rebuilding mine. I called a local guy and says he can do it for around $60 with a 3 month warranty. Just for additional info the autozone one is $200 with another $100 core charge (shipping would take a week).

I guess I'll just give it a try and install new sway bar bushings because one of the current ones has disintegrated because of oil contamination.

The entire car is rust free (don't take into account the exhaust system for obvious reasons) and every single bolt I have removed during repairs has come out rust/corrosion free.

Should I reinstall the cradle bolts dry or should I use some medium strength threadlocker on them? What about the ISS pinch bolt?

Oscar.

Thank you guys,

The entire car is rust free (don't take into account the exhaust system for obvious reasons) and every single bolt I have removed during repairs has come out rust/corrosion free.

Should I reinstall the cradle bolts dry or should I use some medium strength threadlocker on them? What about the ISS pinch bolt?

Oscar.


You're so damm lucky of having a rust free car.:p The rocker panels:banghead::frown: on my 97 GP are completely rusted out. I have holes from dime size all the way up too two finger I need to find some I would think that would be prudent to use thread lock. That way you do not have to worry about the screw and or bolts getting loose.

Looks like your best option is to use the Magnasteer rack. I would pass on the rebuild option. If you like, go ahead and use a medium threadlocker, it won't hurt anything and would give you some peace of mind.
Good Luck!

GMtech1, isn't magnasteer(didn't Buick call it MISVA?) controlled by the EBCM? Wouldn't it have to be replaced or programmed?

TechII, you are correct. The EBCM controls the Magnasteer (Magnetic Steering Variable Assist) MSVA. I'm not sure if it would actually function or not on this vehicle. It sounds like he cannot get the one he needs though. In order to get it to work he may have to replace or reprogram the EBCM. I've never tried it. He should still have power assist, it would just feel the same in a parking lot or on the highway.

Thank you guys, I'll keep shopping around until I find one and at a good price. I really wanted to fix the car ASAP but I can wait.

Variable effort Is not a big deal, my Lincoln has it but if I could make it work it would be nice. If I don't, doesn't matter. You're right it is controlled by the EBCM. I'll do some research on it and will post it here when I find anything.

I will definitely use threadlocker, I've have had enough incidents with my cars and don't want to add another one to the list.

Oh yeah, DRHW I forgot to say R-U-S-T-F-R-E-E :p Just kidding buddy, I hope you get yours fixed soon and your work with the control arms goes well.

Oscar.

Ok so just wanted to update this.

The dealer finally gave a quote on the original rack; it made me angry just to hear it!. They gave me the ridiculous price of $1500 just for the rack!.

Man, I just got angry again...

There is no way I'm paying that, I'll just keep searching around but I still have no idea what to do taking into account your position on remanufactured racks :shakehead

Oscar.

OUCH!!!!
See if you or your dealer parts dept. can get a AC Delco reman. Ther're usually cheaper. While I have had problems with these also, there usually not as bad as the off brand remans from AZ or NAPA. For a hosing like 1500.00 I'd be tempted to go the cheap route and take my chances.

GM Parts Direct........ $264.00 for rack assembly......

Nice...

GM Parts Direct........ $264.00 for rack assembly......

That's great but, in case you missed it, they don't ship outside the US and I'm in Mexico so... that's not for me. Thanks anyway.

I just checked rockauto and they have ATSCO, CARDONE and ACDELCO. All 3 are reman units.

They do ship outside the US, but I would like to know if anybody else knows what brand are the ones sold at autozone, if they are cardone or atsco I don't see why bothering with international shipping...

Oscar.

These guys here show literally step by step how replace a power steering rack and pinion from a 2005 grand prix. I did mine watching them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KGGUArmZg