steering rack

[bps79]

gday guys
Has anyone out there pulled out their steering rack.My mechanic said its a shit of a job.Any help\suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Brad

 

[Jonson]

You need a new Mechanic. It's no harder than any other steering rack.

 

[bps79]

how hard is any other steering rack.Day job?weekend job?Neverv done one before.

 

[Jonson]

I would say for a Mechanic that doesn't see many VR-4's a half day job.

I can do a Magna Rack in about 20 minutes, commodore racks basically fall out. It differs, but generally they are no too bad.

 

[DOUGMO]

do you have to drop the crossmember down to get it out?

 

[Jonson]

You don't have to drop it out, but if you loosen the bolts and let it hang down about 15 threads then it gives you more room.

 

[bps79]

thanks for your help.The way the mechanic was making out it was going to be a nightmare.Might have a crack at it myself

 

[CLuTZ]

You need a new Mechanic. It's no harder than any other steering rack.

lol

 

[EVO-00X]

Depending on the car and whether you have a hoist they can be a real bitch of a job for the home mechanic due to not having much room under the car. I know in the CC Lancers the bottom bolts holding the brackets on are an absolute bitch to get to even from underneath. In saying that I pulled one out and installed another back into a Proton Satria via standing on the gearbox side of the engine bay and manouvering it out without too much dramas (ypity we cant do that in our cars). Oh by the way, dont forget to undo your steering column from the power steering rack first up and keep your steering wheel straight ahead... also when you install the rack back on before you do up all the bolts put the steering column back on and keeping your steering wheel facing straight. You should be able to do it without having to adjust your steering wheel angle but if the rack has come off another car chances are you're gonna need to go and get a wheel alignement one straight afterwards.

 

[Jonson]

You should probably get your alignment checked anyways. But the best method for making sure things are how they were is always mark it with a white paint pen prior to removal.

 

[bps79]

Thanks for everyones advisebeen a big help.Decided to get a power steering specialist to do it as i just dont have the time.The car is unlicensed at the moment and after driving it at the weekend with the new turbo i want to get it licensed asap.Hopefully it will be licensed by friday.Thanks again for all your help at least i know how long it should take them
cheers
brad

 

[Jonson]

Probably a wise move. Hope it works out for ya.

 

[bps79]

Took my car in to a "steering specialist" during the week.Was quoted over the phone between $700-$800 to remove rebuild and replace the rack.Got a phone call half way through the day saying it was a lot more work than they thought and it was going to cost about $2000.Told em to stick it up thier arse.Looks like im doing it afterall.

 

[Jonson]

Seriously WTF?! I hate shit, lazy and stupid mechanics! I would say $700 was on the mark to remove, rebiuild and re-fit. Shop around mate, keep the quote you got and other places will beat it.

 

[brettu26]

Didnt want to start a new thread so.....

I have finally taken my a-spec GVR4 in to a "steering specialist" this morning coz I have a suspected knackered rack.

and I do.

They dont have replacement ones avail, so they have to remove, rebuild and replace etc etc also.
I was quoted $1300 and 2-3 days!

What other option do I have???

thanks in advance
Brett

 

[Chooka]

I thought mine was buggered too so i bought a referbishment kit from Repco, or maybe Bursons... (can't remember exactly) But it is a shit of a job if you dont have a hoist. I should point out i never used the kit, just a replacement rack so I'm not much more help on the issue.

 

[brettu26]

mmmm well i'll find out Wed. taking it into Springy motors for Dan to hoist up & evaluate. Hopefully will be quicker & a bit cheaper than Pedders

 

[brettu26]

well it didnt work out at all how I planned and it took longer (4 days) to get my car back & more $$$ than what the "steering specialists" were going to charge!
not happy! my arse hurts
but on the upside everything is fixed & nice n tight now. car drives so much better.

The 4WS seems to have a lot more effect now that there is no leaks or damage to the front rack.

 

[milkandoj]

Looks like i have the same problem.
Anyone got a good link to how to do it youself.

Ill start searching the service manual. And drink more beers :fuuuuu:

Also, is the rack out of a hh galant gsr the same? Im just thinking that when i look it up at work tomorrow the vr4 wont be listed.
I will try get into mitsi tomorrow and as the same question.

 

[Entaran]

No it's not the same.

EDIT: It's not the same if you want to retain 4ws. If 4ws is gone, then yes interchangeable but I think the SE/GSR units have thinner steel in the rack ends.