Power Steering Pain

alvocado said:

Here's the DIY video I referenced earlier:

Replacing the rack is a very manageable repair for a diyer with the front on ramps or jack stands. I bought a rebuilt Vision OE rack for just under $300. It's recommended to replace your lines but if you're on a budget, start with the rack and perform a thorough fluid flush. If you keep your old lines, you'll need to buy a pack of cap seals to reinstall the line into the new rack.

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89Suburban said:

Look at the stuff running out of that cross member when he hits it with the impact, LMAO!!!

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alvocado said:

Yes, I replaced it and I would rate it as a pretty easy repair for anyone with reasonable mechanical skills. I was replacing the oil pan gasket which required dropping the front differential and unbolting the rack from the frame so I was already in there. There is good access and room under the front with the truck on stands and the forward plastic shield/skid plate off. The procedure is pretty straightforward: disconnect the outer tie rods (which may be a little frozen or rusty), disconnect your fluid lines, disconnect lower steering shaft and unbolt from the frame. To make sure you install with a centered steering wheel, count the number of rotations from full stop to full stop, divide in half and turn that many rotations to get the rack in a straight forward position. Lock your steering wheel with the seat belt looped through to ensure it doesn't move during the repair.

I bought new pressure and return lines which is recommended to avoid contaminating the new rack. It's recommended that you get an alignment afterwards but you can mark your inner tie rod nut and get the new rack on pretty close to the same position, assuming it was aligned when you started. Fill up the fluid, bleed the system, and your set.

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blondie70 said:

With my new rack installed....the steering was much easier. It was good before but got better.

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PopoPackage2011 said:

Its to the point where now im suddenly not losing fluid but its as if I dont have power steering in certain slow parking lot turns. I gotta decide to keep this thing or not (its real beat up looking and takes in water, was in 2 wrecks, was decomissioned and probably maintained horribly) I got it for 5K a few years back at like 130K miles, and its been one thing after another pretty rapidly since. I only put 20K miles on it.

Any idea what a shop would charge for a rack install?

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