Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace A Steering Rack Assembly?

1 Can I Replace The Steering Rack Assembly Myself?

Replacing a power steering rack assembly is a difficult task. However, it depends on the make and model of your vehicle and your expertise. Before attempting to replace it, it’s important to consult the vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and procedures. This will give you an idea of the level of difficulty, tools, and expertise required. However, it is important to remember that service manuals may not always be accurate and may not reflect the exact process for your specific vehicle. It’s also important to look at the new steering rack assembly. Take note of the mounting bolt holes, as well as the high-pressure and return line fittings, and make sure you have all the tools and equipment needed for the replacement.

After looking at what the complete replacement procedure may require, decide if it is within your skills or if you have to take your car to the mechanic. There are a few automotive repairs we highly recommend be done by a mechanic. 

2 Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Steering Rack Assembly

Installing a steering rack assembly is simple in some cars but difficult in others. For example, if you own a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, it is easy. However, in front-wheel drive vehicles, it can be challenging because it has all the transmission and steering components that have to be removed to access the steering rack. Therefore, to ensure the steering rack is installed correctly, you should be experienced in auto repairs. If you are not a DIYer, we highly recommend consulting a mechanic.

Tools Required

• Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Sockets
• Wrenches
• Pliers
• Torque Wrench
• Impact Wrench
• Steering Rack Assembly
• Tie Rod Ends
• Steering Rack Boot
• Power Steering Fluid

Step 1: Lift The Car

Raise the vehicle using a floor jack and use jack stands to keep the vehicle lifted securely. Ensure safety by placing wheel chocks in front and behind the rear wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from moving.

Step 2: Remove The Engine Splash Shield And Skid Plates

To have enough space to access the steering rack gearbox, the lower belly pans (engine covers) and skid plates located under the vehicle need to be removed. Some vehicles may also require the removal of a cross member that runs perpendicular to the engine. Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions on removing these parts.

Step 3: Disassemble The Front End Components

The steering rack gearbox is connected to the wheels, steering knuckles, brackets, and other vehicle parts. To remove the steering rack gearbox, these connected parts must be disassembled first. Because every vehicle model, make, and year has a different setup for the steering rack gearbox, refer to your specific service manual for detailed instructions on which components need to be removed. A few parts that have to be removed are:

• Control arm assembly. Refer to our control arm replacement guide for easy removal.
• Tie rods. Tie rods have to be removed and installed properly to prevent any damage. Refer to our tie rod replacement guide for proper installation. 
• Wheel Hub Assembly. Refer to our wheel hub assembly replacement guide.
• Ball Joint. Refer to our ball joint replacement guide.
• Front Sway Bar
• Exhaust Pipe

Ford F150 (2004-2008)	Use a 10mm socket to loosen the lower universal joint bolt, which comes from the steering to the steering rack. Then use 21mm sockets to loosen the tie rod end bolts. Lastly, loosen the 18mm and 24mm mounting bolts of the steering rack, after which you can simply slide the whole steering rack from one side of the wheel arch. Make sure you loosen the power steering fluid lines before removing the assembly.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2015)	Use an open wrench to loosen the locknut, which tightens the steering rack ends to the tie rods. Then loosen the 4 bolts that hold the whole steering rack in place. Use 18mm and 24mm sockets to loosen these 4 bolts.
Honda Civic (2003-2005)	Loosen the 10mm bolt from the U-joint, which connects the steering rack and the steering wheel. After doing this, use a 17mm socket to loosen the tie rod ends and the subframe bolts. Lastly, loosen the two 17mm bolts that hold the steering rack to the subframe.
Toyota Corolla (1995-1999)	Loosen the 17mm tie rod end bolts. Then loosen the 12mm U-joint bolt, which will disconnect the steering wheel from the steering rack. Lastly, loosen the 19mm mounting bolts that hold the rack in place. Make sure to loosen all the power steering fluid lines before.
Volkswagen Jetta (2006-2010)	Use a 19mm socket to loosen the tie rod end bolts. Then loosen the 13mm U-joint bolts that hold the steering wheel to the steering rack. Then loosen the subframe, which is held on by four 22mm bolts. Lastly, loosen the 13mm bolt that holds the steering rack to the subframe, and do not forget to remove the power steering fluid lines with a 19mm socket.
GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2013)	Use an 18mm socket to loosen the tie rod ends. Then loosen the 11mm bolt from the U-joint which holds the steering shaft and the steering rack together. Lastly, loosen the 15mm bolt that holds the steering rack in place.
Mazda 3 Series (2004-2013)	Loosen the 10mm U-joint bolt, which holds the steering shaft to the steering rack. Then use a 14mm socket to loosen the tie rod ends. Lastly, loosen the mounting bolts, which are 17 mm in diameter.

Step 4: Remove or Secure Exhaust Components

If you are not fully removing the exhaust components, such as the exhaust manifold, mid-pipe, and catalytic converter, move them aside. Use a thin metal wire to tie them to other undercarriage parts or to a frame member.

Step 5: Disconnect The Power Steering Lines

Once you’ve removed the components blocking access to the steering rack gearbox, you can remove the supporting parts and pieces attached to the steering rack assembly. The first step is to remove the power steering supply and return lines. Place a drain pan underneath the area, then use a line wrench to disconnect the pressure lines and allow them to drain into the pan. Once the lines have been disconnected, let the oil drain completely.

Step 6: Remove The Driver And Passenger Side Brackets

After disconnecting the connections to the steering rack gearbox, you can remove the steering rack assembly from the vehicle. Start by removing the steering rack from the brackets and bushings on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the vehicle. Typically, it is recommended to remove the bracket on the driver’s side first.

• Apply penetrating oil to the steering rack mount bolts. Spray penetrating oil like WD-40 on all the steering rack mount bolts and let it soak in for a few minutes.
• Remove the nut from the mounting bolt. Insert an impact wrench (or socket wrench) on the nut facing towards you and place a boxed end wrench on the bolt behind the mount. Use the impact wrench to remove the nut while holding pressure on the end wrench.
• Take out the bolt from the bushing. Use a hammer to hit the end of the bolt through the mount until it becomes loose. Once the bolt is loose, pull it out from the bushing and mount it. After the bolt is removed, take out the steering rack gearbox from the bushing/mount and let it hang until the other mounts and bushings are removed.
• Remove the passenger-side bushings and brackets. The passenger side should be a clamp-style bracket but always refer to the vehicle service manual for specific instructions. Once all the brackets have been removed, remove the steering rack gearbox from the vehicle.

Step 7: Remove The Old Bushings From The Mounts

After the old steering rack is removed, remove the old bushings too. Usually, there are 2 to 3 bushings in most cars. There are two common methods for removing the old bushings. One is to use the ball end of a ball-peen hammer, and the other is to heat the bushings using a blowtorch and press or pull them out with a pair of vice grips.

Step 8: Install The New Bushings

Before installing the new bushings, clean the old brackets with steel wool to ensure that the new bushings will fit easily and secure the steering rack better as it will be free of debris. On most vehicles, the driver-side mount will be round, and the passenger-side mount will consist of two brackets with bushings in the middle. The location and proper installation of the steering rack bushings should be found in your vehicle’s service manual.

Step 9: Attach The Pressure Hoses and Front End Components

After the steering rack assembly is installed, reattach the hydraulic pressure hoses and return lines. If you are using an old power steering pressure hose, ensure it’s not cracked, bulging, or torn. Connect the steering column input shaft to the steering rack assembly. Then connect the suspension and steering components removed in step 3. Reattach the tie rod ends, control arm, front stabilizer bars, and ball joints. Also, reattach the exhaust components, electrical harness connections, belly pan or skid plate, and the wheels after bringing the vehicle down.

Step 10: Install The New Steering Rack Assembly

Carefully slide the new steering rack assembly under the vehicle in the same order you removed it. Ensure the mounts are aligned and do not hold the steering rack assembly by the tie rods.

• Install the passenger side mount: Place the mounting bushings on the steering rack and insert the bottom bolt first. Once the bottom bolt has secured the steering rack, insert the top bolt. After both bolts are inserted in the mounts, secure the nuts on both bolts, but do not fully tighten them yet.
• Install the driver-side mount: After the passenger side is secured, install the driver-side steering rack mount. Again, insert the bolt and slowly guide the nut onto the bolt.
• Tighten the nuts and bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings, as specified in the service manual, with a torque wrench.

Step 11: Refill The Power Steering Fluid

Add power steering fluid to the reservoir and start the engine. Steer the vehicle to the left and right multiple times and check for any leaks or drips under the vehicle. If you find any leaks, shut off the engine and tighten the connections. Check the fluid level with the engine off and fill as necessary. Refill the power steering fluid to the recommended levels that are usually marked on the reservoir.

Step 12: Wheel Alignment

The final step is to perform wheel alignment on your vehicle. Although some mechanics argue that it is simple to set up the suspension alignment after replacing the steering rack gearbox, it is best to have it done by a professional alignment shop. It’s highly recommended to get your wheels aligned after a suspension or steering system job to keep the tires pointed in the proper direction. This reduces tire wear, improves handling, and ensures safe driving.

3 Bleeding The Power Steering System

The last step in the process of installing a power steering system is to remove the trapped air from the system. To do this, first, fill the power steering fluid reservoir, then start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop, making sure not to hold it in one position for too long, as this can damage the power steering pump. Repeat this process 10 to 15 times.

Check the color and appearance of the power steering fluid. If it appears tan or has bubbles, it contains air. Turn off the engine and let it sit for 15 minutes or more. Then, top off the power steering fluid and start the engine again. Repeat this process until the fluid appears normal.

It’s important to use the correct type of power steering fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and to have the proper safety equipment, like safety goggles and gloves, before starting the process. Also, it’s important to keep an eye on the fluid level and keep it topped off throughout the process.

4 When Should I Replace My Car’s Steering Rack Assembly?

Although steering rack assemblies are durable, they can rust and wear out over time. It is necessary to be aware of some common steering rack assembly problems and their symptoms. This will assist you in identifying steering problems, their fixes, and whether the steering rack needs to be replaced.

Leaks

A common problem with steering rack assemblies is leaks. If the steering rack assembly is leaking fluid, it can cause the steering to feel heavy and unresponsive. To fix this problem, the leaking seals or gaskets need to be replaced, and the fluid needs to be refilled.

Worn Or Damaged Components

Over time, the components of the steering rack assembly can wear out or become damaged, leading to poor steering response and increased play in the steering wheel. To fix this problem, the worn or damaged components need to be replaced. Get your steering system checked by a mechanic or replace the steering rack assembly.

Noise

If you hear a clunking or knocking noise when turning the steering wheel, it could be a sign of a worn or damaged steering rack assembly. To fix this problem, the steering rack assembly needs to be inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Reduced Steering Response

If you notice that your vehicle’s steering response is slow or unresponsive, it could be a sign that the steering rack assembly needs to be replaced.

Power Steering Pump Failure

If the power steering pump fails, the steering rack assembly will be unable to provide the necessary assistance to make steering easy. This can also happen due to low fluid levels or a clogged filter.