Leaky Steering rack. Tips on removing?

[Prez1967]

Tearing into my 1994 Z and I have a leaky/greasy steering rack.

Anyone have a write up on how to get it out of there? LOL

Any tips would be appreciated.

[WARP TEN]

Check Dynomite's sticky "Solutions" at the top of this section. --Bob

[Prez1967]

Originally Posted by WARP TEN

Check Dynomite's sticky "Solutions" at the top of this section. --Bob

All it has is:

STEERING
Power Steering Pump Repair Kit
Replacing Power Steering Pump TIPS
Make Your Own Power Steering Lines TIPS
Sources of Fittings for Power Steering Lines TIPS
Loose steering column TIPS
Dimmer Switch TIPS
Replacing tie rods
Tie rod dust boots
Rubber bushing kit
Tilt Steering column wobbling
Removing air bag
TurnOne

Nothing on removing entire rack.`

[Ccmano]

R&R of the rack is fairly straightforward with some pain in the a$$ aspects to it. Going from underneath after removing the tires and getting the front end in the air you remove the power steering cooler and the sway bar completely. Then disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. The first tricky part is disconnecting the power steering hoses from the rack. It's a combination of access from the bottom and from the top. Be prepared to take your time and curse a lot. Next the mounting bolts for the rack have the bolts going in from the bottom with nuts on the top. Access to those nuts is also tricky, using a combination of long extensions and jointed sockets from the top on the passenger side and blind placement of box end wrenches underneath on the driver side. Once the bolts are out you slide the rack out from either side. Be sure to replace both the rack mounting bushings and tie rod ends with the rebuild. I count the number of turns each tie rod end is screwed on to the tie rod and note it. That way you can screw the new ones on the same number of turns be in the ballpark on the alignment toe in when it goes back together. Reassembly is in reverse with the same minor challenges.

Will you be rebuilding the rack yourself, sending it out for rebuilding (Turn One, excellent rebuilder but expensive) or will you get an exchange rebuilt rack?
H

[Prez1967]

Originally Posted by Ccmano

R&R of the rack is fairly straightforward with some pain in the a$$ aspects to it. Going from underneath after removing the tires and getting the front end in the air you remove the power steering cooler and the sway bar completely. Then disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. The first tricky part is disconnecting the power steering hoses from the rack. It's a combination of access from the bottom and from the top. Be prepared to take your time and curse a lot. Next the mounting bolts for the rack have the bolts going in from the bottom with nuts on the top. Access to those nuts is also tricky, using a combination of long extensions and jointed sockets from the top on the passenger side and blind placement of box end wrenches underneath on the driver side. Once the bolts are out you slide the rack out from either side. Be sure to replace both the rack mounting bushings and tie rod ends with the rebuild. I count the number of turns each tie rod end is screwed on to the tie rod and note it. That way you can screw the new ones on the same number of turns be in the ballpark on the alignment toe in when it goes back together. Reassembly is in reverse with the same minor challenges.

Will you be rebuilding the rack yourself, sending it out for rebuilding (Turn One, excellent rebuilder but expensive) or will you get an exchange rebuilt rack?
H

Thanks!!!

Im planning on sending the rack to TurnOne and springing for the expedited service depending on what lead time they quote me.

I figured the sway bar would have to come out. Looking for fresh sway bar bushings but I only see 24mm bushings available and if I read correctly our bars are 26mm?

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Originally Posted by Prez1967

Thanks!!!

Im planning on sending the rack to TurnOne and springing for the expedited service depending on what lead time they quote me.

I figured the sway bar would have to come out. Looking for fresh sway bar bushings but I only see 24mm bushings available and if I read correctly our bars are 26mm?

Try here:

https://www.prothanesuspensionparts.com/71152

[Prez1967]

Originally Posted by 1991 Corvette ZR-1

Try here:

https://www.prothanesuspensionparts.com/71152

Ordered front/rear sway bar bushings and steering rack kit!

Now to wait 5-8 weeks lol

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Originally Posted by Prez1967

Ordered front/rear sway bar bushings and steering rack kit!

Now to wait 5-8 weeks lol

Well the silver lining could be now is a good time to put the Z up on jack stands and get the rack out and to Turn One. Turn One?s site states 3 to 4 weeks until you get your rack back but I think when I had one done by them for another Vette, it took two weeks from them getting it to actually calling me to tell me it was done. Paying for the expedited service might get it done sooner but it could only end up taking a few weeks anyway. A bit of a dice roll.

[Prez1967]

Originally Posted by 1991 Corvette ZR-1

Well the silver lining could be now is a good time to put the Z up on jack stands and get the rack out and to Turn One. Turn One?s site states 3 to 4 weeks until you get your rack back but I think when I had one done by them for another Vette, it took two weeks from them getting it to actually calling me to tell me it was done. Paying for the expedited service might get it done sooner but it could only end up taking a few weeks anyway. A bit of a dice roll.

One step ahead of ya ;-)

Major suspension overhaul in progress, documenting it in my ownership thready