Steering rack

[secondchance]

Do I remember correct that ZR-1s had different steering racks from standard corvettes? If so, what was the difference? Ratio?
I'm thinking of front suspension r & r and checked Rockauto. It shows rebuilt unit with part number 19320468. When googled, shows up as steering rack for base corvette - discontinued.
Any help or suggestion is appreciated.

[conesare2seconds]

The ZR-1 rack should be the Z51 or heavy-duty rack. Faster ratio than base-suspension cars.

[GOLDCYLON]

Do I remember correct that ZR-1s had different steering racks from standard corvettes? If so, what was the difference? Ratio?
I'm thinking of front suspension r & r and checked Rockauto. It shows rebuilt unit with part number 19320468. When googled, shows up as steering rack for base corvette - discontinued.
Any help or suggestion is appreciated.

According to Hib they are same as a base Corvette. 90-96

Do and advanced search under my name and steering rack. Both WV and Hib chimed in on that post. GC

Here is where I bought my replacement under EBay auction number 111676829424 they have one unit left. If you send in your old rack you get a lifetime warranty and there is no core charge. I have however not installed it yet. GC

[GOLDCYLON]

The ZR-1 rack should be the Z51 or heavy-duty rack. Faster ratio than base-suspension cars.

No

[Vette Guy]

I have both the Z51 (13:1) and ZR-1 (stock Corvette 15.7:1) - they are very different. Unless you autocross your ZR-1, I recommend staying with the stock standard ratio. They discontinued the close ratio after 1990, and I understand some Z51 racers traded out the close ratio steering for more stability at higher speeds.

Regards,
Mark

[secondchance]

Great! Now I remember my 84 Z51 would change lane when I sneezed.
I knew I'll get the answer here...

[GOLDCYLON]

Great! Now I remember my 84 Z51 would change lane when I sneezed.
I knew I'll get the answer here...

Andddd. an Ebay resource!!!! Lowest price on the net and no Core charge

Here's the link to the post. http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26758&highlight=steering+rack

I wish my IPAD would let me see the top links to posts.

[conesare2seconds]

Really sorry for the bad info. The Z51 and Z07 cars got faster racks all years. I'm surprised by the ZR-1, that's interesting. I used to do a lot of autocross and there was no comparison between the two. There really is a right tool for every job. :)

[secondchance]

This morning drove to Rich's (Screem), put my Z on the lift and check out the front end. Ball joints, left, right, lower and upper looked good. Tie rod outer ends looked ok except for the rubber boots. However, inner ends of tie rods, right and left had some play. Looks like time to replace the rack.
Might as we'll replace A arm bushings while the front end is disassembled.
I'm going to start ordering parts and may be attack this come spring.

Actually, does anyone know if tie rods can be replaced rather than the entire rack? I wonder if this would be easier...

[GOLDCYLON]

This morning drove to Rich's (Screem), put my Z on the lift and check out the front end. Ball joints, left, right, lower and upper looked good. Tie rod outer ends looked ok except for the rubber boots. However, inner ends of tie rods, right and left had some play. Looks like time to replace the rack.
Might as we'll replace A arm bushings while the front end is disassembled.
I'm going to start ordering parts and may be attack this come spring.

Actually, does anyone know if tie rods can be replaced rather than the entire rack? I wonder if this would be easier...

Either way you got to pull the rack while you are there I suggest going to poly bushings. Don't forget your going to need an alignment afterwords are well

[secondchance]

Either way you got to pull the rack while you are there I suggest going to poly bushings. Don't forget your going to need an alignment afterwords are well

Yes. Four wheel alignment is a given.
Check out this YouTube video. I'll take another look under my Z. According to this video, although not a C4, may be able to replace the rod without disassembling the whole front end.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=05XOhz67jGA

[GOLDCYLON]

Yes. Four wheel alignment is a given.
Check out this YouTube video. I'll take another look under my Z. According to this video, although not a C4, may be able to replace the rod without disassembling the whole front end.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=05XOhz67jGA

Yes let me rephrase what I am saying it is easier to pull everything out and quicker as you have to r and r the rack anyway so go ahead pull the rack. With the amount of miles you have on the car it's time. Anything can be done I was suggesting what was easier and smarter since you are already replacing the rack. Does this make Sense? Also why I suggest poly bushings because you have to pull everything apart. I also suggested a source for a new rack.

[secondchance]

Yes let me rephrase what I am saying it is easier to pull everything out and quicker as you have to r and r the rack anyway so go ahead pull the rack. With the amount of miles you have on the car it's time. Anything can be done I was suggesting what was easier and smarter since you are already replacing the rack. Does this make Sense? Also why I suggest poly bushings because you have to pull everything apart. I also suggested a source for a new rack.

I hear you. Guess better to do it once as opposed to partial followed by another later.

[GOLDCYLON]

Yep that's what's I'm trying to say. Also that rack I recommended comes with new tie rod ends included if I remember correctly

[secondchance]

Yep that's what's I'm trying to say. Also that rack I recommended comes with new tie rod ends included if I remember correctly

Ebay pic, although it says generic pic, does not show rod ends.
Goldcylon. Did you install the one you got from ebay listing you shared with me? Just want to make sure I get a quality rebuild piece. Don't want to do it twice.

[GOLDCYLON]

Ebay pic, although it says generic pic, does not show rod ends.
Goldcylon. Did you install the one you got from ebay listing you shared with me? Just want to make sure I get a quality rebuild piece. Don't want to do it twice.

Not yet I've been waiting for it cool down here in AZ it's still in the 90s I can take a pic of it in the box on the floor of my garage if you like. If you send in the core it's supposed to have a life time warranty

[lbszr]

Turn one may be a Good resource also. I have not used them yet, but have heard they have good reputation.

Turn one steering. http://www.turnone-steering.com/rebuilding-services.

[batchman]

Inner tie rods can usually be changed in-the-car no problem with the correct tool, which is admittedly not in many home tool boxes. You need a guy with the 6' high and 10' long Snap-On chest to find those.

If you do decide to send the rack out, Turn One is the only place I would even consider.

As to the prior ratio posts, there is a big difference and we found the quick rack worth the (very difficult at that time) chase.

One other tidbit for a steering thread... Another surprising difference in a Z51 car is the "hockey puck" rag joint. The ZR-1's have the usual canvas one. Another big difference.

Pretty sure the slow rack and rag joint are part of the Driveability and NVH folks' concerns for their well-heeled original customers.

Cheers,
- Jeff