thebufenator

iTrader: (2)

I am swapping my steering rack today, do I want to use jack stands,
or can I just roll the car up on ramps?

Can I have the suspension loaded?

please tell me before I do it the easy way.....

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

I did it on stands both the times I did it. Loading is not really an issue, since the connections are only at the knuckles, one to the steering shaft and bolting it to the K. Lines from the pump do not see load either. I don't see a reason this should matter other than ease of access to bolts/tie rods.

thebufenator

iTrader: (2)

okay
Any idea how much steering fluid I need? And how long this will normally take?

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

Well, people will tell you different things on PS fulid - some people say get rid of all your old stuff. I just unhooked the hoses, stuck them pointing up so they wouldn't leak, reconnected, turned the car on and ran it lock to lock a few times and topped off. That probably is not the best way, but it did work.

As far as time goes, the thing that takes the longest is getting the bolts out of the K. I had to cut one off - the pass side one I believe - on one occasion. Beyond that it is really straight forward. Tie rod popper saves you a few minutes. Tie rods, thru K bolts, fluid lines and steering coupler and you are done. I did it at a leisurely pace and it took a couple of hours.

GrimReaper

iTrader: (33)

GM's recommendation on bleeding the steering system is this: After the install, add fluid and then turn the wheel lock to lock about 10 times. When you start it up after that it will only take minimal time to bleed the rest of the system.

thebufenator

iTrader: (2)

alright...I cant get the flippin' hoses off of the rack
the nuts are rusted on to tight. My wrench is just sheering the edges off of the nut
argh

any ideas's?

is there something I should use other then wd40?

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

PB Blaster

thebufenator

iTrader: (2)

got it done......wow does it feel so much more controlled......my old rack was loose where the steering knuckle was connected to the rack. bump steer was pretty bad.
All good now.

btw, I got those nuts off by hammering on a wrench slightly smaller then the nut, then hammering it sideways. They were on pretty darn tight.

GrimReaper

iTrader: (33)

Line wrench's and crow's feet work really well for steering gears. IMO

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

Great, glad you got it done. Now you can enjoy driving again.