Rack and Pinion going bad
11-17-18, 03:43 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Rack and Pinion going bad
Hey guys, quick question. So my rack and pinion is going bad, and the mechanic wants $1,200 for replacement of the rack and the pump. I don't have money for the repairs as of now so I decided to do it myself. In the meantime, I need transportation, so would it be okay to pull the power steering fuse and drive it normally? Not too sure about the entire steering mechanisms and don't want to damage the car more. Thanks guys!
11-17-18, 05:14 PM
#2
A lot of times the rack assembly is replaced to shotgun several problems. Was it recommended due to leaks? Loose inner tie rods and or bushings? Noise? How about the pump? Did you go in because of a power steering issue or was this just brought to your attention on a routine maintenance stop? If the pump isn't making noise and the seepage out the front seal is minor, it isn't a huge priority. If your p/s fluid is leaking out profusely from it or the rack than yes, replace. But if the rack isn't leaking and there is a loose inner tie rod or two, you may be able to just get away with some tie rods. If all the issues I mentioned are happening, then you will definitely need it replaced. It will need an alignment asap after install.
11-18-18, 12:05 AM
#3
Hey guys, quick question. So my rack and pinion is going bad, and the mechanic wants $1,200 for replacement of the rack and the pump. I don't have money for the repairs as of now so I decided to do it myself. In the meantime, I need transportation, so would it be okay to pull the power steering fuse and drive it normally? Not too sure about the entire steering mechanisms and don't want to damage the car more. Thanks guys!
What symptoms are you experiencing?
11-20-18, 03:36 AM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
A lot of times the rack assembly is replaced to shotgun several problems. Was it recommended due to leaks? Loose inner tie rods and or bushings? Noise? How about the pump? Did you go in because of a power steering issue or was this just brought to your attention on a routine maintenance stop? If the pump isn't making noise and the seepage out the front seal is minor, it isn't a huge priority. If your p/s fluid is leaking out profusely from it or the rack than yes, replace. But if the rack isn't leaking and there is a loose inner tie rod or two, you may be able to just get away with some tie rods. If all the issues I mentioned are happening, then you will definitely need it replaced. It will need an alignment asap after install.
Alright. So one day when driving about 30 minutes away from home, I noticed the steering all of a sudden felt super light and easy. Then, when pulling out of a driveway I noticed I lost power steering instantly, and heard the typical power steering whine. I jjumped to the gas station, and bought some ATF to top my reservoir off, and as soon as I started the car, it worked no problem again. About a week later I lost power steering again, but I let the car cool off and it worked again. I decided to take it to my mechanic for him to check it out, and the entire car ride there it worked just fine. The mechanic told me my rack and pinion was binding, and my pump was completely shot. I don't know if I believe the pump claim, because the car still has power steering occasionally... If the pump was shot, wouldn't my power steering never work?? Thanks for the reply btw.
11-21-18, 10:51 PM
#6
Alright. So one day when driving about 30 minutes away from home, I noticed the steering all of a sudden felt super light and easy. Then, when pulling out of a driveway I noticed I lost power steering instantly, and heard the typical power steering whine. I jjumped to the gas station, and bought some ATF to top my reservoir off, and as soon as I started the car, it worked no problem again. About a week later I lost power steering again, but I let the car cool off and it worked again. I decided to take it to my mechanic for him to check it out, and the entire car ride there it worked just fine. The mechanic told me my rack and pinion was binding, and my pump was completely shot. I don't know if I believe the pump claim, because the car still has power steering occasionally... If the pump was shot, wouldn't my power steering never work?? Thanks for the reply btw.
High pitch whine noise from the pump would also be a good indicator of the pump.
The pump is belt driven tho so not sure where there is a fuse to pull.
Is this a 300 or 4xx? The 300 is notorious for the crank pulley to become delaminated and could cause sporadic steering at times when the pulley slips.
11-21-18, 11:07 PM
#7
I've never heard of steering rack binding, I only heard of steering rack leak. If your power steering pump is shot it would make a rattling noise, high pitch whining is when it's about to give out.
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11-23-18, 08:08 AM
#8
M- Is this the rack you purchased/installed back in September from your other thread? Does it leak hyd. fluid from either the rack ends, pump seals or resevoiur? I would inspect the hyd fluid first. Burnt smell dark color bad=overheat. I would check the reservoir filter. It’s built in to your reservoir for obstruction. Hydraulic hoses can and will deteriorate from the inside lining. This clogs the filter screen and cause symptoms as you describe. Most people don’t know what hyd. fluid was used in history of car if bought used. Different mix of hyd. fluids can cause problems. Usually with hose lining first and then problems cascade from there when they start shedding crumbs.
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