Mods please don't move this thread, i've posted a thread about this in the past in the appropiate place and got only one response. I'm hoping this general thread will get more feedback from anyone who has replaced a PS rack.

Anyway I'm replacing my power steering rack because it has a little play it it caused by an wreck I had almost two years ago. I bought this used from a salvage yard in Oregon for $90! Supposedly it has only 12K miles on it and the car was rear-ended, so the rack should be in almost new condition.

Everything seems tight... I had new outer tie-rod ends installed less than a year ago so i'll probably use those instead of the ones that came on the replacement rack. Dunno yet.

BTW has anyone replaced a PS rack in a 350Z? Any gotcha's? I've been looking over the job in our FSM and it looks fairly simple. But if anyone has done this and can share some tips and overall experience, i'd be greatful.

Here's the pics of the replacement...

 

Bump!... Anyone got any tips for this. Anyway specifically to minimize the mess?

 

What kind of tips are you looking for?

Helps if you have a lift

 

The car is up in the air on jackstand with a lot of room. I'm trying to swap out the steering rack bushings and I'm trying to thinking of the easiest way to do it while having to disconnect as few lines as possible. I've got some advantages since my motor is currently out of the car.

I think if I disconnect the knuckle I can get enough room to wiggle the rack out from the top so that I can get a C-clamp in there to press the bushings out into a socket. I hope that makes sense.

Here are some pictures I took when I was working on it on Thursday.

 

Do you have a service manual? If not, get one.

One thing to be really careful about is securing the steering wheel to prevent damaging the spiral cable while the rack is being replaced.

 

Nice thread, what were your symptoms? I hear a clunk when I turn the wheel side to side while the car is off. I am also suspecting my steering rack is failing...that's the price of curbsss

 

Did you test the inner tie rods on the new rack? You shouldn't be able to hear metal when you swing the rods around by hand.. The outer tie rods do look brand new though.

The FSM also has the procedure for bleeding the fluid.

 

Got that clunk as well. Does anyone know if an 08 rack will work on an 04? I know the 08s have speed sensitive steering which is making me doubt this will work.

 

Probably not based on this listing CLICK
Only way to know for sure is to call a dealer parts department.

 

Yea saw that too. The identical prices had me hopeful...will ask around and update for those who are wondering.

 

are we talking about rack and pinion here?
i have a leak in my right side rack n pinion in side the boot. Maybe the seal is bad.. do i have to replace the whole thing or can i get that seal fixed only?

 

Dealer told me 04 and 08 are not interchangeable, and would probably throw off some sensors.