Grand Prix Steering Rack

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Anyone ever change out a Pontiac Grand Prix Steering Rack and Pinion? Well I'm about to. Part is coming Tuesday 4-2-13, so I'm heading out to garage now to get the car up in the air and start cranking on nuts and bolts or lube them first when I find out they're not cranking, lol.

This issue happened about a 3 maybe 4 weeks ago now, went out to go to work, pulled out of drive and car wouldn't turn to the left, well at least with enough force it would, would turn right with no problem. Once I was in motion it steers left just fine, it's only when I'm stopped and go to turn the wheel. So I did my research, talked to respectable mechanics I know, and it was due to an internal leak of the steering gear. So after several weeks I finally have the new rack coming and will attempt to install myself.

Any pointers would be great. I'm pretty handy, so I'll assume I can handle it, otherwise I'll making an "assume" lol

[Scott's 62]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

I have not changed one my self but you can look up EricTheCarGuy on U Tube he did one on a cavalier not to long ago. He has lots of great info. Good luck

[Detailing by M]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

sounds like fun

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

ok some pictures of the process so far. Part won't be in until Tuesday. I'll have to wait until after work to get to it, if the weather is warm enough. Supposed to drop back into the mid 40's. Need to finish if before the weekend since I have another car detail coming up!!

Car securely support with plenty of jack stands and ramp. NEVER can have enough stands.









Wheels Removed


Tied Rods Disconnected - Notice bolt from tie rod is a little short, yep had to cut it off. I hate when the nut stops and then it spins. Oh well, best to buy 2 new outer tie rods anyway.



Pinch Bolt on steering coupler attached to Rack and Pinion



Steering Coupler Removed



Power Steering Pressure and Return Lines





Subframe lowered



Rack and Pinion Removed from car





Rack and Pinion Showing bottom - This was definitely leaking

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

Ok ALL done!. Cardone Rack and Pinion with 2 new Moog outer tie rods I put on. I left work a couple hours early so I could get going on it. All in all, I'm happy with it. I'd say 6-7 hours from start to finish. 4-4-1/2 hours Sunday night and about 3 hours tonight. I know it can be done around 4 hours, but that's someone who's done it before, so I'm happy with my time.

Amazing difference in the steering response. Flows smooth as butter!! um melted butter, lol

Old Rack and Pinion at top of pic, new on bottom without new outer tie-rods



Old Rack and Pinion at top of pic, new on bottom with new outer tie-rods



Close up of new one with heat shield



Installed and buttoned up

[Detailing by M]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

[QUOTE=stang2000;526520]...
Amazing difference in the steering response. Flows smooth as butter!! um melted butter... no ****, lol. that's what happens when you put a new part in lol, jk. just making fun!!!

[grandprixman]

Re: Grand Prix Steering Rack

This man here replace a rack and pinion step by step in his video. He shows you every step in detail replacing a rack and pinion on a 2005 pontiac grand prix, I did my project watching this video and it all turned out fine!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KGGUArmZg

BTW dont forget to get allignment after this type of repair, its a MUST!!