Steering Rack repair
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 48
Steering Rack repair
the power piston on my C4 is leaking. I could buy a new one for $325.00 I cold buy a rebuilt or I could replace the seals myself. Has anyone replaced the seals. Did they use a particular kit. Are there any special tools needed i.e. press/puller. I am leaning towards rebuilding/replacing the seals myself. Thank you.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 48
Steering rack
something to look
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_11...d/viewall.html
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_11...d/viewall.html
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
The good folks at Turn One do world-class work for NASCAR and many NCRS restorers. Check them out if you decide not to tackle the job yourself. You will have the job done right and you won't be sorry.
http://www.turnone-steering.com/services/
http://www.turnone-steering.com/services/
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
I looked into doing this myself. You can get a rack rebuild kit at AutoZone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...773_0_0_157609
I bookmarked the previously mentioned link several years ago and after I looked at all the info there decided I didn't want to attempt that repair. I ordered one from Mid America (should be here any day now). They say "direct ship" on their site, so I suspect it actually comes from Turn One. The main reason I went this way is that they send the rebuilt rack to me and then I return my old one in their box. I didn't want to go through the hassle of building a box to ship it to Turn One.
$200 for Turn One to rebuild it vs. $329 - $150 core seemed like a pretty even tradeoff to me.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...773_0_0_157609
I bookmarked the previously mentioned link several years ago and after I looked at all the info there decided I didn't want to attempt that repair. I ordered one from Mid America (should be here any day now). They say "direct ship" on their site, so I suspect it actually comes from Turn One. The main reason I went this way is that they send the rebuilt rack to me and then I return my old one in their box. I didn't want to go through the hassle of building a box to ship it to Turn One.
$200 for Turn One to rebuild it vs. $329 - $150 core seemed like a pretty even tradeoff to me.
- 1986 Original Owner -
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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They say "direct ship" on their site, so I suspect it actually comes from Turn One. The main reason I went this way is that they send the rebuilt rack to me and then I return my old one in their box. I didn't want to go through the hassle of building a box to ship it to Turn One.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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I'm quite confident that an AutoZone or any other "national brand chain" will likely supply a Cardone or another independent re-builders product. For TurnOne services a person needs to contact TurnOne directly. The "ship direct" reference from AZ or whomever just reflects the popularity code given the product in their inventory recommendation program.
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Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
I'm quite confident that an AutoZone or any other "national brand chain" will likely supply a Cardone or another independent re-builders product. For TurnOne services a person needs to contact TurnOne directly. The "ship direct" reference from AZ or whomever just reflects the popularity code given the product in their inventory recommendation program.
AND, there are many posts here about repeated leaks on rebuilt P/S racks. I don't think you will have such a problem with Turn One. At least I have not heard any complaints about them.Let us know what you ultimately decide to do and how it works out.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
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Well I ordered the one from Auto Zone. So next week I hope to prove you wrong about repeated leaks. No insult itended.
Those of you that have replaced the steering rack. How did you get it out? I had so much trouble accessing the power steering lines. I finally pulled the pully off the pump.
One more thing. Before i pulled the rack I drove the car. Had very little steeering fluid in it. The front end was all over the place. Is this the rack an no fluid? Or is something else going on? Any ideas? Thanks again
Those of you that have replaced the steering rack. How did you get it out? I had so much trouble accessing the power steering lines. I finally pulled the pully off the pump.
One more thing. Before i pulled the rack I drove the car. Had very little steeering fluid in it. The front end was all over the place. Is this the rack an no fluid? Or is something else going on? Any ideas? Thanks again
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 48
I did pull the sway bar. but getting to the power steering hoses was such a bear. Removing the power steeering pump puley made life easier. And yes the front wanders. Ball joints seem to be okay. I will have to give them a better look. But any other ideas are welcome. Thank you.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
One thing I didn't like is that they painted it black. "Hides a multitude of sins", as one of my co-workers used to say. I pulled out the bushings to put in the polyurethane bushings that were on my car and found a lot of dirt under the driver's side bushing. They obviously didn't replace the bushings.
The rack is sorta back in the car now. Not bolted in, just lying there. I got stopped by a damaged O-ring on one of the pressure lines. I'm looking for a replacement right now.
[EDIT] They specifically state in their instructions that you should use new O-rings -- then they don't supply said O-rings. Really irritating. I guess they're trying to keep the price down. One of mine is damaged. I found some online for $9.99 + $12.99 shipping. I'll be going to the Chevy dealer tomorrow morning... [/EDIT]
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Mar 25, 2013 at 12:23 AM. Reason: Added note on O-rings.
- 1986 Original Owner -
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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The rack came from Lonestar Caliper Co. They seem to have a lot of information on their web site about various racks and calipers so it looks like they know what they are doing.
One thing I didn't like is that they painted it black. "Hides a multitude of sins", as one of my co-workers used to say. I pulled out the bushings to put in the polyurethane bushings that were on my car and found a lot of dirt under the driver's side bushing. They obviously didn't replace the bushings.
The rack is sorta back in the car now. Not bolted in, just lying there. I got stopped by a damaged O-ring on one of the pressure lines. I'm looking for a replacement right now.
One thing I didn't like is that they painted it black. "Hides a multitude of sins", as one of my co-workers used to say. I pulled out the bushings to put in the polyurethane bushings that were on my car and found a lot of dirt under the driver's side bushing. They obviously didn't replace the bushings.
The rack is sorta back in the car now. Not bolted in, just lying there. I got stopped by a damaged O-ring on one of the pressure lines. I'm looking for a replacement right now.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 7
From: Burleson Texas
The rack came from Lonestar Caliper Co. They seem to have a lot of information on their web site about various racks and calipers so it looks like they know what they are doing.
One thing I didn't like is that they painted it black. "Hides a multitude of sins", as one of my co-workers used to say. I pulled out the bushings to put in the polyurethane bushings that were on my car and found a lot of dirt under the driver's side bushing. They obviously didn't replace the bushings.
The rack is sorta back in the car now. Not bolted in, just lying there. I got stopped by a damaged O-ring on one of the pressure lines. I'm looking for a replacement right now.
[EDIT] They specifically state in their instructions that you should use new O-rings -- then they don't supply said O-rings. Really irritating. I guess they're trying to keep the price down. One of mine is damaged. I found some online for $9.99 + $12.99 shipping. I'll be going to the Chevy dealer tomorrow morning... [/EDIT]
One thing I didn't like is that they painted it black. "Hides a multitude of sins", as one of my co-workers used to say. I pulled out the bushings to put in the polyurethane bushings that were on my car and found a lot of dirt under the driver's side bushing. They obviously didn't replace the bushings.
The rack is sorta back in the car now. Not bolted in, just lying there. I got stopped by a damaged O-ring on one of the pressure lines. I'm looking for a replacement right now.
[EDIT] They specifically state in their instructions that you should use new O-rings -- then they don't supply said O-rings. Really irritating. I guess they're trying to keep the price down. One of mine is damaged. I found some online for $9.99 + $12.99 shipping. I'll be going to the Chevy dealer tomorrow morning... [/EDIT]
Also, when I did my rack, I opted for the z51/zr1 rack. It has a tighter ratio. I used some parts supply chain from WA. The rack hasnt had any seepage or leaks.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: panama panama
I replace my rack seals. about a month ago I even post pictures. i will post the link here later. to remove the rack a pinion. it was a lot of work. i specialy had some problems with the power stering tubing nut.
after i get the thing out. i try to remove some parts of the rack, but it was imposible for me. so i decided to take it to a mecanic. charge me about $150. he did a good job replacing the seals. after that I install the rack and pinion again my self.
It was a lot of work but I had no choise. since I live in panama central america. i have to sent that part to the US. only that will costme $100+ in adition I will have to pay for shipping of the part back to panama.
I calculated to get a new one here i will spend about $650
here is the link with pics and videos
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...eak-video.html
after i get the thing out. i try to remove some parts of the rack, but it was imposible for me. so i decided to take it to a mecanic. charge me about $150. he did a good job replacing the seals. after that I install the rack and pinion again my self.
It was a lot of work but I had no choise. since I live in panama central america. i have to sent that part to the US. only that will costme $100+ in adition I will have to pay for shipping of the part back to panama.
I calculated to get a new one here i will spend about $650
here is the link with pics and videos
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...eak-video.html
Last edited by hitmanpty; Mar 25, 2013 at 06:08 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Saginaw MI
Visit our website, www.turnone-steering.com, or call 877-GO-TURN1 for more information on our rack rebuilding service.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Do you guys send out empty boxes for folks to use to ship their racks to you for rebuilding?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Saginaw MI
As I stated earlier in the thread, I bought a rebuilt rack through Mid America, which turned out to be from Lonestar Caliper Co. The main reason I went that way is that they shipped the rack to me so I had a box to return the core in. The box was the right length and had an insert that held the rack.
Do you guys send out empty boxes for folks to use to ship their racks to you for rebuilding?
Do you guys send out empty boxes for folks to use to ship their racks to you for rebuilding?