rack and pinion replacement?

[spidey3479]

About 2 years ago I did major replacement and upgrades on my SSEI's suspension. This took care of a lot of problems and noise I was experiencing. The only thing it didn't fix was the moan when you do extreme turns to the right or left. I also constantly get the notice about suspension needing service. What I'm thinking is the gears inside the rack may be worn and the steering position sensor needs replacing. My question is, has anyone ever had this done and should I get a used or remanufactured rack and pinion, is there a brand that is better? and should I replace the steering pump as well?

[FiendScurro]

Well my experience is not typical. What is important is you do a pretty good flush of the system after putting in a new rack. For me I had all sorts of bad luck. I replaced the rack. Reman acdelco. Month later my pump was leaking out the back. Then my high pressure hose was partially collapsed inside and killed two pumps. Now I just had to replace the return line for an unrelated issue and my reman rack is leaking out both end seals (probably contamination from original pump going bad). Lifetime warranty though on rack from rockauto.

[FiendScurro]

Definitely go reman or new for both pump and rack. The whine you hear when doing full turns is normal unless really loud. Check your fluid level while car running for hot line or after sitting for cold line.

[spidey3479]

So just replace the lines, pump, rack and all, correct? Ok, I think I just needed some confirmation from someone here. Thanks much!
Parts shopping I will go, Parts shopping I will go, hiho the derrio, Parts shopping I will go.

Is it me or does that sound.... ?

[FiendScurro]

Well like I said my experience is not typical so don't feel compelled to buy all new components. The return line is cheap but not required. Mine broke when my rear transmount died. If you have kept up on your fluid flushes/changes the new fluid shouldn't shock your old pump and the old fluid shouldn't ruin your new rack.

[spidey3479]

Not that big of a deal to just replace it all and not have to go back in and replace or fix something else. Thanks again for the advice.

[spidey3479]

Finally ordering part from RockAuto. There are two versions of the rack listed and I have no idea which one I need. Does the 2001 SSEI need a steering rack with or without magnetic steering assistance?

[harofreak00]

With Magnetic Steering.

[spidey3479]

Thanks for the quick response, haro!

[spidey3479]

I've gotten all the parts in all ac Delco, new a ND remanufactured. I was told way back when by my dealership, that there was a sensor in the rack that needed replacing and that could be what was making the suspension service warning pop up. With a remanufactured rack will that already be taken care of?

[harofreak00]

The sensor is in the steering column, not in the rack. The "steering wheel position sensor". $85 on Amazon.

You have to remove the intermediate steering shaft to access it. If it were me, I would be replacing it with the updated design while you are in there.

Here are directions on how to remove the intermediate steering shaft.

[spidey3479]

I had the dealership do that about 4 years ago. Just trying to get everything done under there while my mech is there already. Thanks.

[harofreak00]

Doesn't really matter if you did it 4 years ago if the Service Stability System is coming up again. Sensors do go bad.

[spidey3479]

That's true. I'll get on Amazon now and order it.

[spidey3479]

Repairs are done!! Replaced the rack and pinion, power steering pump and reservior, Hi and Lo pressure ps hoses and put in Royal Purple Max EZ fluid. All AC/Delco parts, except the steering position sensor. While he was under there, my awesome mech saw that I had a pretty bad oil leak at the oil sending unit, he called and got only half way through his question when I told him to just replace whatever he found that needed it. I don't want him having to go back under there in a month or two when I have the $$ now to get stuff done. I'm lucky to have a really honest mech. I didn't know how bad the steering was until I got it back. Man, its like night and day and so much quieter. Looks like I'll be keeping her for another 100k. Woo Hoo!!

[FiendScurro]

Glad everything worked out!