How to replace a car steering rack gearbox

The steering gear transfers the driver's input from the steering wheel to the wheels to make the car turn correctly. If it is damaged, it should be replaced.

Most trucks, SUVs and cars that are on the roads today use a rack and pinion steering system. It is a single component that also includes power steering systems. Many people refer to this component as the steering rack gearbox, and it is often found on front-wheel drive vehicles and those that use part-time AWD systems. This component is designed to last the life of the vehicle; however, the steering rack gearbox can fail due to it being damaged in some way. Some of the common symptoms you'll notice when the steering rack gearbox starts to fail include clanging when turning, excessive vibration when steering, or a low groan when the steering wheel is fully turned.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the steering rack gearbox

Necessary materials

• ball hammer
• Socket wrench or ratchet wrench
• flashlight
• Hydraulic Line Wrenches
• Impact Wrench/Air Lines
• Jack and jack stands or hydraulic lift
• Penetrating Oil (WD-40 or PB Blaster)
• Replacing the steering rack bushings and accessories
• Replacing the steering rack gearbox
• Protective equipment (safety goggles and gloves)
• steel wool

Step 1: Raise the vehicle on a hydraulic lift or jacks.. This job is best done if you have access to a hydraulic lift. If you don't, you will have to raise the front of the car with jacks. For safety reasons, be sure to use wheel chocks behind and in front of the rear wheel.

Step 2: Disconnect the car battery. Locate the vehicle's battery and disconnect the positive and negative battery cables before continuing.

Step 3: Remove the bottom trays/protective plates.. To have free access to the steering rack gearbox, you need to remove the bottom pans (engine covers) and protective plates located under the car. On many vehicles, you will also have to remove the cross member that runs perpendicular to the engine. Always refer to your vehicle's service manual for exact instructions on how to complete this step for your vehicle.

Step 4: Remove a few interface components. The steering rack reducer is connected to the wheels and tires, steering rack bushings and brackets, and other vehicle components.

To remove this component, you must first remove the accessory parts connected to the steering rack gearbox.

Because every car model, make, and year has a unique steering rack gear setup, you'll need to refer to your specific service manual for detailed instructions on which components to remove. The image above shows some of the connections that need to be removed in order to replace the old steering rack gearbox with the new one.

As a rule, before removing the steering rack, the following components must be removed:

• Front wheels
• Hydraulic lines connected to the steering rack gearbox
• Cotter pins and castle nuts on the ends of the steering rods
• Tie rod ends from upper arm
• Front anti-roll bars
• Ball joints
• Steering rack/steering column input shaft connection
• Exhaust pipes/catalyst

Step 5: Use metal wire to support the exhaust system components if you are not completely removing them.. Most mechanics simply loosen exhaust system components such as the middle pipe and catalytic converter and move them out of the way when replacing the steering rack reducer. If you choose to do this, use thin metal wire to tie the exhaust system parts to the other chassis parts.

Step 6: Disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering rack gearbox.. Once you have removed the components in the way of the steering rack gearbox, you will be ready to remove the support pieces and the pieces attached to the steering rack. The first step is to disconnect the power steering supply and return lines from the steering rack gearbox connections.

First, place a drain pan under the area. Disconnect the power steering supply and return lines with an adjustable wrench and allow them to drain into a pan under the vehicle. After disconnecting the two lines, allow the oil to completely drain from the steering rack gearbox.

Step 7: Remove the driver and passenger side brackets.. Once the connections to the steering rack reducer have been removed, you will be ready to remove the steering rack from the vehicle. The first step is to disconnect the steering rack from the brackets and bushings on the driver and passenger side of the car. In most cases, it is recommended to first remove the bracket on the driver's side.

First, spray all the steering rack mounting bolts with a penetrating oil such as WD-40 or PB Blaster. Let it soak in for a few minutes.

Insert the impact wrench (or socket wrench) into the nut facing you while you place the socket wrench in the box on the bolt behind the mount. Remove the nut with an impact wrench while holding down the socket wrench.

After the nut is removed, use a hammer to strike the end of the bolt through the mount. Pull the bolt out of the bushing and install as soon as it loosens. Once the bolt has been removed, pull the steering rack reducer out of the bushing/mount and leave it hanging until you have removed the other mountings and bushings.

We proceed to remove the bushings and brackets from the passenger side. The passenger side should be a clip type brace, but as always, check your service manual for detailed instructions. After removing all the brackets, you can remove the steering rack gearbox from the car.

Step 8: Remove the old bushings from both mounts. Move the old upright aside and remove the old bushings from two (or three if you have a center mount). There are two generally accepted methods for removing old bushings. One is to use the ball end of a ball hammer. Another way is to use a torch to heat up the bushings and squeeze or pull them out with a pair of vise.

As always, consult your service manual for the vehicle manufacturer's recommended steps for this process.

Step 9: Clean the mounting brackets with steel wool.. Taking the time to clean the old brackets before installing the new bushings will ensure that the new bushings will be easier to install and will hold the steering rack in place better as there will be no debris on it. The image above shows what the bushing mounting should look like before installing the new steering rack reducer bushings.

Step 10: Install new bushings. On most vehicles, the driver's side mount will be round. The passenger side mount will consist of two brackets with bushings in the middle. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for the exact recommended steps to properly install the steering rack bushings for your vehicle.

Step 11: Install the New Steering Rack Reducer. After replacing the steering rack bushings, it is necessary to install a new steering rack gearbox under the car. The best way to complete this step is to install the rack in the reverse order you removed the rack.

Follow these general steps, but also follow your manufacturer's service manual.

Install the passenger side mount: place the mounting sleeves on the steering rack and insert the bottom bolt first. Once the bottom bolt secures the steering rack, insert the top bolt. After both bolts are inserted into the mounts, tighten the nuts on both bolts, but do not fully tighten them yet.

Install the driver side bracket: After securing the passenger side, install the steering rack bracket on the driver side. Reinsert the bolt and slowly guide the nut onto the bolt.

After installing both sides and connecting the nuts and bolts, tighten them to the manufacturer's recommended torque. This can be found in the service manual.

Reconnect the power steering hydraulic lines, return lines and supply lines. Tighten them to the recommended pressure.

Step 12: Connect the steering rack reducer to the steering column input shaft.. Connect the steering rack reducer to the tie rod ends. Attach the tie rod ends to the upper control arm and front anti-roll bars. Connect the steering rack to the ball joints.

Install and tighten tires and wheels. Attach the exhaust system components. Reinstall the wiring harnesses that were removed. Install the pan, skid plate and cross bar.

As always, the exact steps will be unique to your vehicle, so check these steps against your service manual.

Step 13: Connect the battery cables. Reconnect the positive and negative terminals to the battery.

Step 14: Fill with power steering fluid.. Add power steering fluid to reservoir. Start the engine and turn the car left and right a few times. From time to time, look under the bottom for drips or leaking liquids. If you notice a fluid leak, turn off the vehicle and tighten the connections. With the engine off, check the fluid level and top up if necessary. Repeat this until you no longer fill the reservoir with power steering fluid.

Step 15: Professionally Level the Front. Although many mechanics claim that it is quite easy to adjust the alignment after replacing the steering rack reducer, in reality this should be done in a professional workshop. Proper suspension alignment will not only help keep the tires in the correct direction, but will also reduce tire wear and keep your vehicle safe to drive.

Once you've completed the initial installation of your new steering rack reducer, the suspension should be fairly tight, especially if you've followed the manufacturer's instructions for removing and reinstalling the tie rod ends.

Replacing the steering rack gearbox is not particularly difficult, especially if you have the right tools and access to a hydraulic lift. If you have read these instructions and are not 100% sure about doing this repair, please contact one of the local ASE certified mechanics from AvtoTachki to do the job of replacing the steering rack gearbox for you.