New Steering Rack to Install

[blondie70]

I am installing a new steering rack. My question is about the gaskets for the plumbing attaching to the rack....the 2 pipes.....no gaskets were sent with the rack for these pipes.....but rubber plugs were in the rack.....are these the gaskets also ? Do I just cut the ends off and use these for the assembly gaskets ????? Thanks, Pete

 

[mikez71]

I've never seen rubber gaskets for hydraulic lines before?
And I've never heard of a plug being converted to a gasket either...

So I'm going to guess "no", but maybe GM will surprise me...
What's your old one look like?

And please let us know how it goes, mine's leaking and I need to replace as well..

 

[blondie70]

Mine not leaking.....It has slack in a tie-rod causing the steering to wander. Guess I will have to wait until I pull the old rack to see what's what with the hyd lines and gaskets.....thanks for the reply.

 

[Fless]

Are these plastic plugs that look like a little hat?

 

[mikez71]

I'm guessing you need o-rings looking at hose and rack photos...

 

[OR VietVet]

First: Watch a few you tube videos. Second: I would guess that the fittings are flared fittings. Not sure because have not replaced a rack on a 2012 Tahoe.

Third and most important: If you think rubber debris plugs, inserted in the threaded holes of the new rack, are supposed to be trimmed and used as gaskets/seals.....stay away from this job. Your mechanical capabilities are suspect. Likely need flare nut wrenches, too. Do you have them? Do you know Tahoe will need re-alignment, after rack replacement? Do you know what fluid to refill with and how to bleed the system, not running and running?

 

[blondie70]

Are these plastic plugs that look like a little hat?

Yes.

 

[Fless]

The new rack should have come with at least one o-ring for the pressure hose. I've not seen these in person but online they show them.

The plastic hat (there should be two) should be discarded when you attach the hoses. They're there to keep out debris.

 

[Doubeleive]

I am installing a new steering rack. My question is about the gaskets for the plumbing attaching to the rack....the 2 pipes.....no gaskets were sent with the rack for these pipes.....but rubber plugs were in the rack.....are these the gaskets also ? Do I just cut the ends off and use these for the assembly gaskets ????? Thanks,

 

[blondie70]

Thanks for all the info.....I can't find any o rings in the package. I found that they are super expensive.....$23 each and it takes 2. Must be made of unobtanius or something. O Reilly's will have some in in the AM for me. I have a bushel basket full of orings, but am afraid to use other than what they prescribe.......just chicken....hah ahahahhaha Anyone use anything else successfully ?

 

[OR VietVet]

The o-rings at O'Reilly's is $23 each? Wow. Almost bet the dealer price is less. Did you check there yet?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/precision-power-steering/precision-power-steering-pressure-hose-seal-ring/opr0/23170018/v/a/118726/automotive-suv-2012-chevrolet-tahoe?q=steering+gear+line+seals

Does the ones at O'Reilly's look like this, for $22.99 each.

The ones I looked up at the dealer are #26081619, 2 required and are MSRP of $20.68 and likely cheaper.

I would have the dealer look the o-rings up and according to the pic of O'Reilly's pic, that is not correct. IMO

If you have it apart, take your existing o-rings in, otherwise, go to dealer.

I would bet that if O/R looks up the hose assemblies, they can get the o-rings that would be at the ends of the hoses, that attach at the rack and pinion.

 

[SpareParts]

If you have a loose tie rod no need to change the rack.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you have a loose tie rod no need to change the rack.

What @SpareParts said. The inner and outer tie rods can be changed without replacing the rack.

I missed the part about why you think you need to replace the R & P.

 

[mikez71]

Thanks for all the info.....I can't find any o rings in the package. I found that they are super expensive.....$23 each and it takes 2. Must be made of unobtanius or something.

Yea, that's a weird seal.. In the video he taps them in with a socket.. and they sound hard..
Maybe they are just a tight squeeze, and I'm just hearing the hammer against his socket?..

 

[blondie70]

Yeah....you gottta beat them in with a socket. I think this is a weird setup, but looks like it works, with no leaks. The seals I bought from O Reillys were made in China. Must be made of really tough stuff, needing to be beat into location like that. The hose ends are tapered metal and I lubed them up good and wiggled and tightened the bolt and wiggled and they started going in ok until tight. A strange setup , I think. Anyway, the rack is in and alignment is next.
Replaced the rack because of a little slop in the tie rod on one side. The alignment shop told me I needed a rack. Did not know the tie rods could be changed on the rack.......

 

[OR VietVet]

Yeah....you gottta beat them in with a socket. I think this is a weird setup, but looks like it works, with no leaks. The seals I bought from O Reillys were made in China. Must be made of really tough stuff, needing to be beat into location like that. The hose ends are tapered metal and I lubed them up good and wiggled and tightened the bolt and wiggled and they started going in ok until tight. A strange setup , I think. Anyway, the rack is in and alignment is next.
Replaced the rack because of a little slop in the tie rod on one side. The alignment shop told me I needed a rack. Did not know the tie rods could be changed on the rack.......

That's because the shop wanted to do a rack and not the tie rod. Thing is, if I ran that shop, I would not do one inner tie rod. I would sell both inner tie rods because if you do one inner tie rod, very soon after, the other one will go and then the customer starts pointing fingers.

 

[alvocado]

The seals are called duckbill or cap seals. I keep extras from new lines because they are ridiculously expensive to buy separately and should be $0.50 a piece. If you replace your lines, new seals will be included.

There are several videos from Plews Edelman and Terrepower online showing how to properly seat the seal. Some suggest tapping with a socket while others recommend seating by hand then inserting the line which will pierce the seal. I never use a socket and have never had a leak.

If you decide to replace the rack, consider new lines which is generally recommended with a rack change.

 

[blondie70]

New rack has been in. New lines never crossed my mind, as the old ones looked good. I do not like the sealing that is used, but guess it will hold better than other types, so why it's used. I had never seen this type before. Had never paid so much for a little bitty seal. (had to buy 2) . The truck steers really good with the new rack....easier than with the old.

 

[LsHart]

The new rack should have come with at least one o-ring for the pressure hose. I've not seen these in person but online they show them.

The plastic hat (there should be two) should be discarded when you attach the hoses. They're there to keep out debris.

My guess is the parts house robbed ur box to give them to another customer. But the lines should be compression fittings. Tighten to stop leak thing. If anything it will be a small oring.