DIY: Steering Rack Removal

[sam o nela]

Originally Posted by Pnoye02



I can't post this in DIY section... I'm NOT allowed, so here goes!

If I can do it, anybody can do it… I believe the key to a successful DIY’er is to have proper set of tools. Please protect yourself at all times and use some precautions when you crawl under any vehicle.

Safety equipment:

Floor jack
Jack stands
Wheel chocks
Oil drip pan
Creeper (card board will do)
Disposable rags
Knee pads
Safety glasses
Latex gloves (it’s going be messy)


Basic hand tools required:

Medium size needle nose pliers
Medium size wire cutter
½” drive torque wrench (or a breaker bar)
½” drive 19mm deep socket
3/8” drive ratchet
3/8” drive 6” extension
3/8” drive sockets; 17mm, 14mm and 10mm
Wrench; 19mm, 17mm, 14mm, 12mm and 10mm
Medium and small size adjustable wrench (as an option)
Tie rod ends removal or equivalent
Small hex head screw driver
Small pry bar
Rubber mallet


Prep work:

1)Place wheel chocks in front and back of one of the rear tire.
2)Pop the hood up and open power steering reservoir (helps relieve the fluid out)
3)Loosen front wheels by using ½” drive 19mm deep socket and a torque wrench (or a breaker bar).
4)Raise the front end and safely support the vehicle.
5)Remove wheels out and let the fun begin.


Removal sequence prior to the steering rack; work on one side first (same steps and procedures applies for the other side)

( I ) TIE ROD END removal from the steering knuckle:

a)Remove cutter pin with a needle nose pliers (I find wire cutter to be more effective).
b)Unscrew the tie rod end ball joint castle nut halfway.
c)Break tie rod end ball joint loose using a tie rod end removal tool or equivalent.
d)Remove the castle nut and lift the tie rod end out from the steering knuckle.


( II ) Tie rod end removal from the inner tie rod (optional)

a)Use 19mm wrench for the locking nut (3/4" wrench also works)
b)Use 17mm wrench for the tie rod end (medium size adjustable also an option)
c)Place both wrench opposing each other (not too far apart).
d)Squeeze both wrenches to free up locking nut.
e)Unscrew tie rod end.


( III ) Inner tie rod removal from the steering rack:

a)Disconnect air tube from dust boot.
b)Remove dust boot outer ring clamp with a needle nose pliers.
c)Loosen/remove dust boot inner band clamp with a small hex head screw driver.
d)Use 19mm wrench (small adjustable wrench will also work) and securely place on the notch/stake lock washer.
e)Tap slightly with a rubber mallet to break it loose.
f)Unscrew inner tie rod.


( IV ) STEERING RACK removal:

a)Remove center beam bolts (8 total) and the beam, use 3/8” drive ratchet, 14mm socket and the 6” extension.
b)Remove gearbox shield bolts (4 total) and the shield to expose the rack, use 3/8” drive ratchet, 10mm socket and the 6” extension.
c)Place a drip pan underneath the gearbox, disconnect the 4 fluid lines from the control unit and let it drip out for a few minutes.
d)Use plastic wrap to protect them lines from dirt or debris.
e)As a refference point, measure rack distance from gearbox (this will help the guessing part during installation)
f)Turn steering wheel all the way to the right (you'll find out why on later step)
g)Remove rack mounting bolts (4 total) and holders, use 3/8” drive ratchet, 14mm socket and the 6” extension.
h)To expose the steering joint cover, you’d need to pull down the carpeting on the driver side foot well.
i)Remove 2 (upper/lower) clamps for the steering joint cover and unsnap it from the steering joint base cover.
j)Unscrew the 3 flat and round plastic tabs and remove the steering joint base cover.
k)Remove the bottom steering joint bolt (hopefully, step "f" was performed), use a 10mm wrench, very slow process.
l)Once loosened rack&pinion will disengage, if not use a small pry bar to slightly open the steering joint gap.
m)For more maneuverability, slide the rack all the way to the right side.
n)Slide gearbox to the right and maneuver slowly to remove.

Oh, I almost forgot... to install, reverse the removal procedure!

I apologize for not having images attach along with the descriptions, the digicam I use to snap photos with was taken along for a spring break vacation by my daughter. I will revise this DIY with pictures as soon as she gets back, sorry for any inconvenience.