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Steering Rack Replacement.

Plan.

More photos below.

The last time that I changed the oil, I noticed that the right boot on my Supra steering rack had split.  I could have just changed the boot and hope that the seal hadn't been too badly damaged, but I opted to replace the whole rack as I have a free replacement.


The Project.

After putting the front of the car up on stands and removing the under cover and tires, the job was really ready to start.  The first thing I did was use a magic marker to draw a line around the rack end links where they screw into the steering knuckle links.  I then loosened the bolt that attaches the upper and lower half of the steering arm (by the brake master cylinder).  The steering link halves were unscrewed next.  I then loosened the clamps and brackets holding the lines including the ones for the cooler.  The lines themselves came off next and then the four bolts holding the rack in place (the front 2 are accessed though the cross member, the back 2 are on the back top of the member).  With both racks out, I cleaned up the one that I was getting ready to put in.  Unfortunately that was all I could get done that day.  The next day is snowed and was cold for the next week.  I did this as part of my brake line upgrade so I had all four tires off the ground.  I wish I had a picture of my car on stands with all four tires off and a foot of snow on it.  The only real note about the install was that I had to set the rack up onto my floor jack and roll it just up to the cross member.  I could then join the halves of the steering arm- any farther away and it doesn't reach, any closer and there's not enough slack.  Make sure the rack is centered and the steering wheel is level.  Count the number of threads from the old rack out to the end of the marker lines and adjust the new links to the same.  Go right out and get an alignment.
 

Brake lines...


Difficulty.

1- Expect to get very messy as work is done around the cross member and it is another collection point for every drip and leak.  I've taken to wearing surgical gloves when doing messy work.
2- The passenger side links came off easily on both cars, but the driver's side links I had to use my biggest vice grip and a propane torch to get them to come loose.  What a pain. 
3- The back two rack bolts are very hard to get to and one of the line attachment points is blocked somewhat by the other. 
4- I also had to loosen the bolt holding the metal intercooler pipe elbow to the car to give myself the extra little room to get the rack to come out. 


The Problems.

I've had no problems with this repair.  Even considering that I put a non turbo rack into my turbo car.


The Payoff.

Again, the payoff is a no-brainer.  I don't have to keep refilling the reservoir.



No photos yet, my capture card is down.
   

Back to top...

Time
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5 hours

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Total Cost
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$54.00

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Difficulty, 1 to 10
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1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Problems, 1 - 10
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1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Payoff, 1 - 10
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1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Materials/Parts
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Steering rack (used)- $0.00

 

Quart of auto trans fluid (x2)- $6.00

 

Spray can of carb cleaner- $3.00

 

Bottle of propane- on hand

 

Alignment- $45.00

 

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Tools
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Ratchet and sockets.

 

Wrenches

 

Large vice grips

 

Propane torch nozzle and striker

 

Floor jack

 

Jack stands

 

Scrub brush

 

Marker

 

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Last updated: Freitag August 08, 2003
Copyright © 1997-2002 Duane Smith