Replacing the steering rack - how to do it yourself?
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The tie rod end is one of the fastest wearing parts of a car. Surely you know perfectly well that in our country there is no shortage of medium roads. Riding on them eventually leads to backlash when turning the wheels. As a result, the precision necessary for driving a car is lost. It doesn't end! It also causes permanent tire damage. Ignoring the initial symptoms can even lead to the wheel detaching from the car. Check out how to replace the steering rack yourself!
Replacing the steering rack in the car - when should it be done?
Before you know how to replace a tie rod, you must know how to do it. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is very complex and ambiguous. It is influenced by aspects such as:
- car model;
- the quality of the roads you are driving on;
- stick quality.
Replacing the steering rack in a car is an event that should be carried out every 50 km. However, this interval may be shortened if you drive sharply. In this case, you need to know in advance how to replace the steering rack.
Steering rack replacement - wear assessment steps
Before you get started, you will need to check the condition of the stick. The most important sign of wear is play when driving. This type of instability should be a red flag for you. In this case, you can be sure that the replacement of the tie rod is necessary.
There are other signs of wear on these components. If they are damaged, noise will be heard from under the hood. Whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary, this noise will be clearly audible.
If you want to be 100% sure that the steering rack needs to be replaced, jack up the car and check if the part is loose. In some cases, simply moving the wheel will let you know about the problem. This simplifies the diagnosis of the need to replace the tie rod.
Be aware that ignoring these symptoms can lead to much more costly repairs. Do not delay with the maintenance of the element. Check how to replace the steering rack?
How to replace the steering rack yourself? Basic Tools
Before you learn how to replace the steering rack, you need to prepare the right tools. Which? You will need:
- socket wrenches;
- combination keys;
- hex keys;
- copper preparation;
- metal brush;
- rust remover.
See for yourself how to replace the steering rack!
Steering rack replacement step by step
How to replace the steering rack is not easy. You must have knowledge of auto mechanics. If you are a layman in this area, have the steering rack replaced by a specialist. Otherwise, nothing prevents you from trying this activity in your garage.
How to replace the steering rack step by step?
- A step-by-step replacement of the steering rack must begin with lifting the car and removing the wheels from the front axle.
- Spray rust remover on the tie rod end nut. Leave for a few minutes.
- Remove the lower drive cover.
- Remove the tie rod end retaining nut.
- Using a ball stud remover, remove the tie rod end.
- Remove the dust cover clip that is mounted on the steering gear.
- Move the cover so that it is closer to the bar.
- Unscrew the rod from the toothed rod.
- Thoroughly clean the sealing surface on the dust cover.
- Install the new rod into the gear rack.
- Replace the dust cover and close the clamps.
- Now the end of the rod should be installed in the steering knuckle.
- Insert the engine bottom cover.
- Start assembling the front wheels.
- Install the geometry and take a test drive. If everything is working properly, the steering rack replacement is complete.
Replacing the steering rack on the mechanics - what you need to know?
As you already know, replacing the steering rack in a car is quite a difficult task.. That is why in many cases it will be much better to turn to a professional. How much does this service cost? This operation costs about 10 euros, which is not much, but we should not forget about the additional correction of wheel alignment, the cost of which is from 100 to 20 euros.
The tie rod needs to be replaced relatively often. The effectiveness of this element directly affects your safety. You can make the replacement yourself or entrust it to a specialist.
