Replacing Rack and Pinion in 2001 Grand Prix GTP

[aperry]

I have been having some problem with my GTP. The passanger side rack boot is leaking out grease and now sometimes when you turn left there is no power steering. It doesn't do it all of the time but is getting more frequent. Should I try to replace just the boot or go ahead and replace the whole thing? How hard is it to replace the whole rack? Is it dangerous to drive the car if it is doing this? Any ideas on the web on where to find illustrations on the removal of the rack?
Thanks

[Airjer_]

There shouldn't be anything in the boot. If its leaking P/S fluid than the rack is bad. Replacing the boot on the rack will not take care of the seal that is leaking. It will eventually fill back up with fluid and start leaking out the boot again. I assume you have been adding power steering fluid?

[tblake]

Agree with airjer. You can probably run for a little while on it, but you risk burning out the pump. Been there, Done That (twice). Lets just say I will no longer buy aftermarket junk parts.

The R&P is not too hard to replace. In fact the worse part for me was getting the intermediate shaft splines to line back up on the new rack when I was putting it back together. You basically lower the back of the subframe, I had to remove my stabilizer bar, unbolt the two lines, unhook the tie rod ends (count how many turns), unhook the Intermediate shaft and pop it off the rack, remove the two bolts holding the R&P to the subframe, and slip the whole thing out the drivers side. Assemble reverse order. Just be carefull when lowering the subframe, and you will need an alignment when everything is all said and done.

We are here if you have any other questions.

[aperry]

Yes, I have added power steering fluid since I have noticed it. I was wondering if there anywhere on the web that would show detaile instructions on removing it?
Thanks for the help

[tblake]

Nothing that I know of. autozone has free online repair manuals at their website, however if you look up a R&R manual for your rack for your car, it will more than likely be an article that covers a range of years of GM w-body's, so you have to use your judgement as to what needs to be removed and what does not. I think it says to remove the exhaust downpipe and some others that I did not have to do.