Steering Rack Replacement... is it hard to do?

Hello Friends,

I've got a 1999 Intrigue, 3.5L. And power steering fluid is leaking rather significantly from the Rack assembly. So I am assuming it is best to replace the whole rack. poked around and most remanufactured versions (Cardone pn. #22-182) is about $228.

I looked in the shop manual, and one of the steps is to drop the rear of the "K" frame about 5 inches maximum. Sounds sorta significant! I'm pretty fair mechanically, I've changed the Coolant Cross-Over Seals (you could see my write-up in this forum).

My Question... How hard is it to replace the Rack Assembly?

I called a local mechanic, and he roughly quoted $1-2K!!! but said he needs to see it up on a rack, so he can make sure he gets the correct part (at least that's what he just said).

Thanks for any help!

Flat backing it in a driveway would be a chore, a lift really helps. Yes, the rear of the subframe needs to be dropped, be sure to disconnect the steering shaft before doing so. Not to tough a job on a lift with the right tools. probably an all day project on the floor though.

Thanks for the fast response (about 10 minutes!). I know I will need to get a front end allignment afterwards, but what about hooking up the hydraulic lines, anything I should be aware of?

I have a couple of floor-jacks and several jack-stands, so I am somewhat confident that I'll be able to hold the K-frame.

The manual also states a paragraph or two about caution associated with the steering wheel being centered, so as not to screw-up the airbag. Is this a major thing that I should worry about? (should I put ear plugs in just in-case it blows?!)

Love this forum!

The lines are pretty straight foreward, just dont crossthread them. If you have a way of locking the steering wheel straight ahead, do it. This assures it will not turn and damage the SIR clockspring. A bungie cord wrapped around the steering wheel and hooked under the seat works fine.

gmtech1... one more quick question. do I need any special tools?

thanks again for your advice.
Steve

Nope, no special tools that I can remember.

GmTech1,

I'll give you an update... the day after the ordeal. Jacked the car up and saw that the steering rack was dry, so spent some time trying to find the source of the leak. I assumed it was the rack based on my wifes description of where the puddle was. Turned out to actually be a pin-hole leak in the high-pressure (pump discharge) tube assembly. The hole was located in the section of tubing that bends around the steering-rack boot.

What surprised me was that Kragen--O'Reilly, has the tube assembly in the store within 3 hours for $75. I was very happy to pay that to get the part in hand on a Saturday. I was afraid the part would have straight metal portions that would need to be formed by me. But the assembly was EXACTLY like the one I removed.

The mess?... let's just say that I am hoping all that oil evaporates off the hot engine in due time.

But the more important thing to note is what I discovered. ...Both of the CV-boots on the drive axles are shot, with a huge mess of grease all over the knuckle, wheels, and fenders. So I've decided to just take it to the local mechanic and have him replace both for $750.

Later,
Steve

Thanks for the update!