Installing Rack and Pinion in 2002 Buick Regal LS

[williamstkb]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to install the rack and pinion in a 2002 Buick Regal LS? Thanks.

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

You actually plan on doing this DIY instead of taking it to a shop?

Just to give you a general idea per the FSM you are supposed to raise the car and then use an engine hoist/support fixture to hold the engine/transaxle order to remove the rack and pinion. Basically the subframe must be dropped down. Required due to clearance problems because you have to remove the rear subframe bolts, loosen front subframe bolts and drop the rear part of the subframe in order to access and get the old rack and pinion out. Plus a jack is required to support the rear portion of the subframe. Other components that require removal are the front wheels, two dogbone engine mounts, transmission mount(s), the exhaust downpipe, any exhaust heat shields, and the outer tie rods at the steering knuckles, etc. The steering coupler must be separated from the rack and pinion before dropping the rear subframe. Pressure and return lines are removed as one of the last steps along with the bolts that secure the rack and pinion to the subframe. The bottom line is it is a PITA and I wish you good luck.